Page 22 of Monster in Disguise

I smile at that.

"It's on," I add before hanging up.

The men are all sporting a worried look on their faces. Everyone's heard about the attack by now.

"And we are officially at war with the Irish. I want everyone to send me a report with what you do, how many men you have under you, and your precise schedules and locations."

"Yes!" Everyone agrees in unison.

"Good. Meeting over." Nicolo is watching me with an inscrutable look on his face.

"You'll be the end of this family, boy. Mark my words."

I freeze at his appellation, something that father used to call me. Trying to mask my features, I answer.

"Be careful aboutyourend, uncle. It might come sooner than you think." I leave the threat hanging.

After everyone's left, Vlad texts me a meeting spot, and I join him to assess the casualties.

The attack had been too well coordinated.Both Vlad and I came to that conclusion, given the timing and the location. Aside from the merchandise, we'd also ended up losing a few people.

"A mole," Vlad's grim voice echoes my thoughts, and I can't bring myself to disagree.

The situation is spiraling out of control at a rapid pace, forcing me to make a swift decision. I waste no time in scheduling a meeting with Enzo for the next day.

And now here I am, in his opulent foyer, waiting to be received in his study. The tension hangs thick in the air as I anxiously wait to meet him.

"Signor Agosti can see you now." A burly man glares down at me before leading me down a long hallway to Enzo's study.

Enzo's warm smile greets me as I enter the room. "Marcello," he says with genuine warmth. "It has been too long."

I fight the urge to roll my eyes at his superficial charm. The man is dangerous, and I can't afford to show any weakness. But for the sake of our business partnership, I put on a polite smile. "It is always a pleasure to see you, Enzo."

Or not long enough, I want to say.

But instead, I take a deep breath and prepare myself for what needs to be done.

"So many surprises lately, wouldn't you say?" Enzo's movements are sluggish, and it's obvious he is still not completely recovered. Just a week ago, he'd been in the ICU fighting for his life. He's resilient... I'll give him that.

"My condolences for your father."

"Good riddance." Enzo waves his hand dismissively. "Just like your own old man."

"Indeed." I purse my lips but don't comment.

"Do tell, Marcello. What is the purpose for this visit?" His smile is cunning, but he must be aware of thepurpose.

"To bury the hatchet, so to speak."

"You know, just because your brother is dead, that doesn't mean our conflict ends."

"I'm sure you've heard how Jimenez died." I go straight to the point. That he received me this civilly tells me he is willing to have a proper discussion, regardless of the past.

"Some." He looks intrigued, so I continue.

"I was there. So was my brother. Valentino was the one who killed Jimenez—retribution for Romina's death." I stop to gauge his reaction.

"Go on," Enzo urges me.

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