Page 15 of And Back

“I have to try,” I say firmly, feeling a surge of determination. “I’m going to talk to Dante first. He needs to understand that continuing this cycle of violence won’t solve anything.”

She shakes her head slightly, her expression one of doubt mixed with concern. “And what makes you think he’ll listen to you?”

“Because he cares about Virgilio,” I insist. “Deep down, he doesn’t want this either.”

I pause, gathering my thoughts before continuing. “I’m going to tell him that Virgilio has been fighting for him all these years. That everything he did was to protect him and give him a chance at a better life.”

Valerie exhales slowly, her skepticism giving way to reluctant acceptance. “Hmm, I don't like this, Zoe. But I know once you are set on something you'll get it done.”

“Thank you, Valerie.”

Valerie pulls the car into a quiet side street and parks, turning to face me fully. “Zoe,” she says softly, “I can see how much this means to you. But please promise me you'll be careful, and call me immediately if anything happens.”

“I will,” I reply, giving her a reassuring smile despite the fear gnawing at my insides.

I step out of Valerie's car, the compound looming ahead of me like a fortress. High walls and guarded gates surround it, and my heart races with anticipation and dread as I approach the entrance. The security measures and the proximity to Benedetto’s estate heighten my anxiety, but I force myself to stay focused on my mission.

I take a deep breath and walk up to the guards stationed at the entrance. Their stern faces give nothing away, and I feel their eyes boring into me as I identify myself.

"I'm here to see Dante," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

One of the guards nods and speaks into a small radio. After a moment, he gestures for me to follow him inside. The gate creaks open, and I step through, feeling a chill run down my spine.

The interior of the compound is utilitarian. The living quarters are luxurious but have a more functional and militaristic feel compared to the grand Messina estate. There are minimal windows, and the reinforced structures give off an air of impenetrability.

My footsteps echo on the cold stone floors, and the silence is almost deafening. The tension in my chest grows with each step, but I push it aside. I have to stay strong—for Virgilio, for Dante, for myself.

Finally, I reach a large door at the end of a long corridor.

I stand outside the door, my hand hovering over the doorbell. My heart pounds in my chest, each beat a reminder of the stakes. Taking a deep breath, I press the button and hear the chime echo inside. The seconds stretch on, and I can’t help but feel a pang of doubt. What if this was a mistake? What if Dante refuses to listen?

Before I can spiral further into my thoughts, the door swings open. Dante stands there, his expression shifting from surprise to a welcoming smile. The warmth in his eyes is unexpected, and for a moment, it disarms me.

"Zoe," he says softly, stepping aside to let me in. "Come in."

I nod and step inside, my gaze quickly taking in the surroundings. The living room is spacious but lacks the warmth and personal touches of a home. It's furnished with modern, functional pieces—clean lines and muted colors dominate the space. Large maps and strategic plans adorn the walls, giving the room an almost clinical feel.

Dante leads me to a seating area and gestures for me to sit. I take a seat on a sleek, leather chair while he sits across from me on an identical one. The distance between us feels like a chasm, but I’m determined to bridge it.

He leans back slightly, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the turmoil I feel inside. "So, what brings you here?" he asks, his tone measured.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "We need to talk about Virgilio."

His eyes narrow slightly at the mention of his brother's name, but he remains composed. "What about him?"

"He told me about your past," I respond softly. "About what Benedetto did to both of you."

Dante's expression doesn't change, but I can see the tension in his jaw. "That's ancient history," he replies curtly.

"But it’s not," I insist gently. "It's still affecting both of you—still driving this wedge between you."

He regards me with an unreadable expression, his eyes hard and distant. "What makes you think I can end it?"

"There has to be something you can do," I plead, leaning forward in my chair. "This can't keep going on like this."

Dante's expression softens slightly as he leans forward, his gaze piercing into mine. "There might be one way," he says slowly, almost thoughtfully. "But my efforts are not for free, sweet Zoe."

A sense of dread creeps up my spine at his words. What happened to Cesare’s charming ways? Dante seems like a completely different person now.

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