In a dimly lit cigar lounge in Milan. The atmosphere was thick with power, unspoken alliances, blood-soaked deals, and secrets traded like currency.

Kade Thorn sat at the head of a private table, swirling a glass of bourbon, his eyes scanning the room as high-ranking members of lesser families filtered in. He was charming, cold, and calculating. And he was done waiting.

A man entered, lean and dressed in all black. He leaned close to whisper in Kade’s ear.

“She was spotted leaving the ...