Valeria

I had just stepped out of the room when I felt the weight of the evening settle into my bones. The meeting with Salvatore Romano had been quick but intense. He was powerful—unmistakably so—but I wasn’t about to let that shake me.

Nico was by my side as we entered the elevator. I pressed the button, and we both stood in silence for a few moments. The elevator started its descent, the soft hum of the machinery filling the quiet. Nico glanced at me but didn’t say anything ...