Page 328 of The Devil's Fire

“You must understand why I have requested a meeting with you. I want to understand what has been going on before taking extreme measures.” Tommaso’s eyes held anger, but frankly, I didn’t give two shits about it.

“We have been in business together for a long time. We had a deal, yet you killed two of my children. For what?!” He hissed out. His chest was heaving as he tried to control his anger.

I looked at him for a while with scrutinizing eyes before I let out a small laugh.

“I don’t know about you, Tomasso, but I was raised by women. In my family, we don’t fuck around when it comes to our women. We value them. We kill in their names. So, tell me, was I not right in getting rid of your daughter who harassed my wife and mocked her for miscarrying my child? For killing your son, who demanded my wife’s head for defending herself?” I tilted my head, a chilling grin stretching across my face.

He exchanged a look with his son, Matteo, at the mention of my wife. They knew it was a promised death sentence if you went after a Don’s wife, no matter who the fuck you were.

“This is not something I can let slide.” Tomasso decided to say.

“That’s up to you. We can settle things right here, right now.” I shrugged nonchalantly and drew my gun, my men mirroring my action. The Romanos tensed up, now on high alert, analyzing the situation.

“However, you damn well know you don’t want to start a war with me. You need me, but I don’t need you. You’re replaceable to me, and everything you’ve worked for will crumble. Your family will be gone too. So, what’s your choice? Think wisely, because I won’t show mercy after this.”

Tomasso looked distressed, understanding he stood no chance against me. They were outnumbered, and I reveled in seeing the sweat form on his forehead.

Everyone has a price they are willing to accept to turn a blind eye to a situation, and he was no exception. He was a money-hungry man, and he proved to be a valuable asset in the business. The results were consistently satisfactory due to his eagerness. However, he knew that starting a war with me would mean losing everything and more because I would destroy anyone who dared to go after my wife.

“You know the saying, ‘one bad apple spoils the whole barrel’? I found two and got rid of them. Maximo and Miciela let their ego take over and acted foolishly. My issues were with them and not with you.” I told him truthfully.

Tomasso thought about it for a while before looking down at the table in submission, having me smirk.

“Good choice.” I got up from my seat and looked at Matteo, who was the next heir. He would gladly continue the alliance because he didn’t give two shits about his siblings; all he wanted was to be seen as someone important, and I could grant him that.

“Learn from your siblings’ mistakes, and we will have a long partnership. I will meet with you next week, and we can discuss business. Goodnight, gentlemen.” Without another word, I left.

My father caught up to me, walking silently by my side before giving my shoulders a few pats. It was his way of apologizing as he was never one to do so directly with words.

As I stepped outside, I found Raffaele next to my car.

“What’s the status?” I asked him, and he let out a sigh.

“Her medical journal was hacked and left accessible for anyone to see. I couldn’t trace it back to who did it since they have had time to cover their tracks.”

I briefly closed my eyes at the information.

“It’s most likely his doing. What the fuck is his game with this?” I frowned, rubbing my jaw. “I need you to check her phone. He might have used it as a listening device.” I said, handing him Althaia’s phone.

“Got it. You can also ask Sofia herself why and how they got that information. She’s all cozied up in our lovely Chamber of Torture.” He grinned.

“Good.”

“Maybe we should have Althaia come and stab her with a fork?”

I cracked a smile at his joke as he laughed. The word about Althaia wanting to stab my father with a fork spread like wildfire among my men. They found it hilarious, given that she was a tiny person with a gentle soul, and they couldn’t fathom how she could possibly cause anyone serious damage. However, after seeing how Miciela looked, they were all surprised, and I have never been prouder.

“Here’s the necklace, by the way. They did a good job of making a replica.” Raffaele handed me the small jewelry box. I took a look and nodded in approval. This was the closest to the original pendant.

“Good. Have the phone sent back to me in the morning.” I instructed him.

“Sure thing.” Raffaele sang as I got inside my car.

I parked in front of the stone building in the middle of nowhere and made my way through the underground passage. It was the perfect place for soundproofing, tucked deep under the ground to muffle any desperate screams.

I reveled in the isolation of my Chamber of Torture, far removed from civilization. The distant echoes of those who were dragged in there, futilely screaming for help, always filled me with a euphoric sensation.

I opened the door and stepped inside. Sofia was tied up in the center of the room, her face streaked with tears.

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