Page 287 of Ricardo

It is subtle, but it sends a message.

The door opens.

One of our people steps in first, then moves aside.

Vito Conti enters.

I have seen photographs. Reports. Security stills. Enough to know Luca Conti’s oldest son and heir on sight.

None of that prepares me for the sheer force of him in person.

He is tall, dark-haired, physically built in the way of men who do not stand back and let someone else do the work. His suit is black, perfectly cut, but there is nothing decorative about him. No wasted expression. No attempt to charm the room.

His face carries the power of his position, the same old-world bones, the same dark Conti eyes, the same silence around him that is a learned behavior.

He does not look like a prince.

He looks like a man who understands that inheritance is not a gift. It is a weapon handed over blade-first.

Behind him comes Roberto Conti.

One of Luca’s younger brothers.

Attorney.

This knife is just as sharp, but much more precise.

Roberto is a few years younger than Luca, dark-haired, fit, composed in a navy suit that costs real money. He carries himself as if he would be equally comfortable in a courtroom charming a jury, or in a backroom making a deal.

His expression is polite. Almost warm. The kind of warmth that might make a weaker man confess before he realizes the error of his ways.

The third man is Adrian Donato.

He is the only one whose name does not come with Conti blood, and yet no one in this room makes the mistake of discounting him. He is taller than both of them, broad-shouldered and hard-built, with dark hair, a rough shadow along his jaw, and the alertness of a man who has lived too many years counting exits. The cuffs of his shirt hide most of the tattoos I know are there from the files, but not all of them. Dark ink peeks near his wrist when he moves. There are scars too, faint but visible enough if you know where to look.

Caterina Conti’s husband.

Luca’s security chief.

Former military.

My first thought is: Good. Luca did not send symbols.

He sent capability.

My second thought is: Though they are blood, these men are dangerous.

Luca didn't come himself. That doesn't surprise me.

But he sent his heir and his brother, as well as the man trusted to guard his family.

This is not merely a courtesy call.

Mario steps away from the chair.

“Vito,” he says.

Vito’s gaze moves to him. “Mario.”