Queen of Shadows

now felt more calculated, more dangerous, as if she was balancing on the edge of a knife. But it wasn't just her who

nd shelves lined with books on law, business, and strategy. The heavy scent of cigar smoke still lingered in the air, a reminder of the man who had built an emp

words rang in her ears. With Luca at her side and Vito providing the crucial information she needed, Alessa knew s

aightened as Marco entered, his expression serious. "

quickened. "W

folded note. "He sent t

d held up his end of the deal. The information she needed on her u

sa murmured, reading aloud. "At their warehouse outside the city. He'

your father set up. If your uncle succeeds in this dea

liances-he was preparing to steal the very heart of their operations. If he secured control of the smug

o warn her about moving quickly. They

despite the turmoil building inside

ant us to take direct acti

ke it look like a business deal gone wrong-something that won't trace back to us. I

lty unwavering. "I'll

ave, Alessa called

e doorway. "Yes

softly. "I can't affo

re, faint smile bef

sion of

rivate penthouse. They had much to discuss before the next night's confrontation, and she coul

leather couch with a glass of whiskey in hand. He didn't rise to greet her but

ng," he said, his voice c

n across from him. "My uncle's making his move.

nk, his gaze never leaving her

deal, it'll give him control over the smuggling routes. That's the key to his p

the Donatos. They've always been opportunists, waiting

wned. "So

. But now that we know for sure,

gies. "Marco's already preparing to disrupt the meeting. We'll

stake here than just stopping your uncle. If you really want to take him dow

d buy them time, but it wouldn't be enough to end this. To truly take control of the family, sh

u suggest?"

ial tone. "We send a message. Something that will make him realize you're not a

layed by the rules, even in the dangerous world of organized crime. But now, the rules no longer

," she said, h

ll pay a visit to someone very important to your uncle-someone who holds his tr

rowed. "Who are y

gleamed. "Da

sted advisors, a man who had been by Enzo's side for years, managing key parts of the fa

ten him?" Alessa aske

that his loyalty is misplaced. And once Dante realizes that

It was bold, dangerous, and risky. But it was exac

d, her resolve harde

t of Re

he full-length mirror. She wore a sleek black dress, simple yet powerful, a reflection of the woman she was becoming. No longer

onatos, and Alessa knew she had to trust him to handle that part of the pl

was a knock at the door. Luca stood in the hallway, dr

ready?"

t racing but her mind c

flashing by as they headed toward Dante's private residence. This was it-the m

car in the shadows, far enough away to avoid drawing attention. The house

inside, follow my lead. Dante's smart, but he's

r than she'd ever been. Together, they approached the house, and as th