Page 48 of I See You

“Your routes are getting hit. Customs is sniffing around. And your men? Not as untouchable as they used to be. That’s why you’re here— why you’re listening.” Hassan’s voice was low, steady, controlled, his eyes locked on Vittorio, reading him, pinning him in place without needing to raise his tone.

The room was thick with tension, but Hassan thrived in it. He let the silence stretch, let his words sink in, before leaning back in his chair, his presence filling every inch of the space.

“You don’t need to trust me. But you will respect my position. Because whether or not you make this deal, I will expand. The question is, are you going to be on the inside when I do?”

Vittorio was thinking, even though his face remained calm, unreadable. His poker face was damn good, but Hassan was better. He could see the wheels turning, could feel the weight of his words settling in. Luca, on the other hand, wasn't built for this. He shifted uncomfortably, his jaw tight, his emotions clear on his face.

Weak.

He was older than Hassan by a couple of years, but Hassan was the one owning the room, the one making the deal, the one showing Luca exactly why his father hadn’t passed the throne to him yet.

Then, finally—

“We have an agreement.” Vittorio’s voice broke the silence, firm but calm.

He extended his hand, but Hassan didn’t move right away.

He let the moment stretch, let the weight of his authority settlein the air, making them feel it. Then, after a long second, he clasped Vittorio’s hand—firm, decisive.

“Smart choice.”

Hassan leaned back, exuding confidence, even though his expression remained cold.

“Now, I know you Italians love fancy-ass parties. We’re throwing a masquerade here in two weeks to celebrate my partner’s birthday. You two should come. Get a feel for what’s about to make your family millions.”

Vittorio gave a slow nod, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips.

“We will be there.”

And just like that, the deal was done.

Hassan watched them exit, his expression unchanging, his mind already locking onto the next move.

But as soon as the door clicked shut, as the weight of businesssettled—

A different thought crept in. For the first time in hours, he hadn’t been thinking about her.

Sevyn.

And the fact that she had been crowding every inch of his brain, throwing him off his game for days, pissed him off more than anything else.

???

(Two Weeks Later)

Hassan walked through his packed casino, Hustle & Flow alive with energy, buzzing with people of wealth, status, and power. The atmosphere was different tonight, more elegant, more exclusive. The masquerade theme had transformed the casino into something almost otherworldly—high rollers dressed in luxury, their faces concealed behind elaborate masks, adding an air of mystery to the night.

Tonight was special, Roman’s birthday, and just like him, the energy was electric.

But Hassan moved through it all poised, emotionless, unbothered by the grandiosity of the event. His black Dior suit hugged his muscular frame perfectly, the crisp tailoring enhancing his already dominant presence. His waves were freshly cut, spinning under the glow of the casino lights, his beard lined up sharp, defining the hard lines of his face.

A few high-profile guests acknowledged him as they played the slots and tables—politicians, celebrities, men who owned things. He returned their greetings with nothing more than a subtle nod, his mind always on watch mode.

"Aye, fool!"

Hassan didn’t even need to turn to know exactly who it was. Roman.

He approached wearing a red Brunello Cucinelli three-piece suit, his black dress shoes gleaming under the lights. His long braids looked freshly done, his sharp edge-up looking so clean it could cut a man on sight. A black diamond-embellished masquerade mask framedhis face, only highlighting the glow of confidence radiating from him. Roman looked like royalty, and it fit him—tonight was his night.

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