Page 58 of Mafia Don's Twisted Union

Leo nods, already relaying orders to the team.

As my men move into position, I can’t help but glance back at the city skyline in the distance. Mia is somewhere in that penthouse, likely pacing the floor, her worry almost tangible.

For her, for our child, and for the legacy tied to this property, I can’t afford to lose.

---

The east side of the property is chaos as my men execute the flanking maneuver. Matteo’s crew, realizing they’re outmaneuvered, start to scatter. But I’m not here to let anyone escape.

“Cut off their exit!” I bark into the comms. “No one leaves without answers.”

A sharp explosion rips through the air, sending debris flying. I duck behind a low wall, my instincts sharp as shouts echo through the comms.

“East gate compromised!” one of my men calls out.

“Hold your positions!” Leo orders from his end, his voice calm but commanding.

I stand, peering over the fence. Matteo’s men are retreating, but their escape is methodical, covering each other with suppressive fire. It’s not a disorganized retreat—it’s calculated.

“They’re drawing us in,” I mutter to Leo as he crouches beside me.

He nods grimly. “They want us to overcommit.”

“Not happening,” I reply, gripping my gun tighter. “Push them back, but don’t overextend. Force them to regroup outside the perimeter.”

The sound of gunfire begins to fade as my men secure the perimeter. Matteo’s crew retreats into the surrounding desert, disappearing like ghosts. My guards begin sweeping the area, ensuring no threats remain.

Leo approaches, his face drawn with tension. “Three of ours injured, but nothing fatal. They hit us hard, but it wasn’t a full assault. This was a warning.”

“A warning,” I echo, the words bitter in my mouth. “Matteo’s testing our response. He’s trying to buy time.”

“For what?” Leo asks, his voice low.

I don’t answer immediately, my gaze fixed on the scorched ground near the breached gate. Matteo doesn’t play gameswithout purpose. Whatever his endgame is, it’s tied to the inheritance property—and the ledger Mia uncovered.

The weight of that knowledge settles heavily on my shoulders. I promised Mia I’d protect her, but this battle has only just begun.

“Double the security on the property,” I finally say. “No one gets within a mile without my approval.”

Leo nods, already relaying the order to the team.

As I head back to the convoy, my thoughts drift to Mia. She deserves to know what’s happening here, but how much can I really tell her without putting her in more danger?

When we arrive back at the penthouse, the weight of the day hits me harder than I expect. I step out of the elevator, the tension in my chest easing slightly at the sight of Mia pacing the living room.

She stops when she sees me, her hazel eyes scanning me for signs of injury. “You’re okay,” she says, her voice soft with relief.

I nod, walking toward her. “It was a skirmish, not a battle. Matteo’s testing us, but he won’t win.”

Her expression tightens at his name. “And the property?”

“Secure, for now,” I reply. “But it’s only a matter of time before he makes his next move.”

Mia steps closer, her hand brushing against mine. “Carlito... we can’t keep reacting. We have to take control of this.”

Her words hit a nerve, echoing my own thoughts. I pull her into a brief embrace, the warmth of her presence grounding me.

“You’re right,” I say quietly. “But we do it my way. No risks. No unnecessary moves.”

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