"I didn't expect the Bratva's tech queen to be quite so... captivating," Lorenzo's voice dripped with irony as he observed Galina, who was absorbed in deciphering a web of encrypted data.
Galina's gaze remained fixed on her screens, her expression a...
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"What do you think must have happened?" Luca's voice is a soft murmur, cutting through the heavy silence as I stare out of the window, my thoughts lost in the chaos unfolding before us. I turn to him, my face reflecting the gravity of the situation. His confusion is palpable, and it's no wonder-Orazio and I practically dragged him and Orazio from the comfort of the living room, where we had been discussing more pleasant matters, to face the aftermath of a devastating attack.
"Some idiot decided to blow up one of our factories," I reply, the words heavy with frustration. Luca's face shifts from confusion to realization, a grim understanding settling in.
"I see. So, this is serious," he states, the statement tinged with the weight of our predicament.
Orazio, his eyes flashing with anger, adds, "Whoever the hell did this better hope they don't fall into my hands. I'll fucking ruin them."
The intensity of his anger is almost palpable. He needs to temper his rage, but I understand his frustration. The destruction of our property is a personal affront.
Luca's voice rises in exasperation. "No, but seriously, we were supposed to be preparing to leave for Lo's engagement. And here we are."
I shake my head at his complaint. "Our territory's security takes precedence over my engagement, Luca." The truth of the matter is clear-our business is in jeopardy, and that's far more pressing than any social obligation.
Raph, who has been quiet until now, chimes in with a measured tone. "Our territory's security is equally important to the alliance with the Bratva, brother."
I understand Raph's point, but my focus is narrowly fixed on the immediate threat to our territory. The larger alliance, though significant, feels distant in the face of the current crisis.
As we arrive at the scene, the smoldering remains of the building stretch out before us-a twisted heap of metal and debris. The air is thick with the acrid scent of smoke and burned material. Just as we're about to inspect the ruins, a violent explosion erupts behind us.
The blast sends shockwaves through the air, and I whip around to see our car-a symbol of our mobility and safety-engulfed in flames. The driver, who had been in the car, is lost to the inferno. The close call leaves me breathless. If we had been seconds later, the destruction would have claimed more than just our vehicle-it would have taken our lives.
I glance at my cousins. Orazio and Luca are visibly shaken, their faces pale as they process the narrow escape. Raph remains eerily composed, his expression unreadable.
I exhale heavily, turning my attention back to the burned building. The once-solid structure now lies in ruin, a dismal pile of wreckage. Finding anything of value here seems a futile endeavor, but I begin my search nonetheless. The surroundings are a chaotic mess of charred remains and scattered debris.
