Semua Bab Bound by vengeance: Bab 71 - Bab 80

VINCENTThe cigar smoke mingled with the thick air of the room, saturating it with the heavy scent of tobacco and distrust. I was surrounded by men who considered themselves untouchable, figures who operated behind the curtains of politics and crime, with smiles sharp as blades and words as treacherous as knives in the back. Venomous snakes, each one waiting for the perfect moment to strike.At the head of the table sat my father, impassive as ever, his presence commanding the room like it always did. His shrewd eyes scanned each face, assessing expressions as the discussion grew more heated. The topic of the night? Increased police activity at the borders. More specifically, why law enforcement always seemed one step ahead of our operations.“It’s curious, isn’t it?” Salvatore’s voice echoed through the room, firm and controlled. He was my father’s consigliere, eldest son of one of Italy’s oldest families. “The police always show up on the exact days we import goods. As if they know

DAVINAThe silence inside Gutemberg’s car was so thick I could feel its weight pressing down on me. The engine purred softly, a low hum that blended with the pale glow of the streetlights passing by the window. My mind, however, was far from there. Pryia said she didn’t know any KJ. Maybe it was true, but it wasn’t impossible that he had used another name. That’s why I asked Aaron to get a photo of him. Something solid. Something my sister wouldn’t be able to deny.My chest tightened at the thought of not telling her about our dad. She didn’t need to know right now. Telling her would only be an unnecessary burden, a new thread of guilt to tangle her up. Their relationship was never good, but I knew Pryia always sought his approval.Gutemberg hadn’t said a word since we got in the car. His hands were tense on the steering wheel, eyes locked on the rearview mirror, like he was expecting someone.“Do you think we’re being followed?” My voice sliced through the silence, dry and sharp.He

DAVINAThe hotel room was spacious and well-decorated, but I felt trapped inside it. Pryia was twirling in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection with a sparkle in her eyes. The red dress hugged her slim frame, the sheer sides revealing her golden skin. She looked happy. Or she was faking it really well.“What do you think?” she asked, adjusting her long blonde hair over one shoulder.I crossed my arms, tasting bitterness on my tongue. Pryia had been back for two weeks now, but she still felt like a stranger. I expected to find her broken, haunted, needing me. But here she was, playing dress-up with clothes Vincent had bought her, like everything was perfectly fine.“Looks expensive.”“Of course it is! Vincent has great taste.”His name kept coming up since she came back. I barely knew him, but I knew he was involved in something big. Did something happen between them? Pryia didn’t need a new provider now.“Pryia…” I started, choosing my words carefully. “You still haven’t told

DAVINAKJ already knows Pryia is back.Of course he does. He probably always knew. Someone’s watching us. Someone close enough to anticipate our moves before we even make them. Aaron getting shot was the final proof. He was set up. There was no way out for him that night, no opening. Everything had been planned so he wouldn’t have a chance to escape. Was it just luck or coincidence, that Gutemberg showed up in time? But was it really? If Gutemberg were behind it, why would he go to the trouble of saving him? None of it makes sense. Everything’s a blur, and anyone could be a suspect. Even him.Aaron’s out of danger now, but everything’s still a mess. Pryia hasn’t spoken to me since she got the news about our father. She blames me. Thinks I’m deliberately keeping her from seeing our mother, like I have some petty, hidden agenda. Meanwhile, she keeps getting closer to Gutemberg. Clinging to him like her life depends on it. No matter how hard he tries to keep his distance, she always find