**Stefano's POV**

The moment the SUV hit the main road, I grabbed my phone, my fingers fumbling over the screen. I dialed Doctor Romano; he was the only man I trusted with a life this precious.

He picked up on the second ring. "Doctor Romano."

“It’s Stefano Bernardo.” My voice didn’t sound like mine. It was a rough, raw scrape of sound. “I’m bringing my wife in. We’re in Lombardy. She’s... she’s dying, Doc. It’s critical.”

“Yes, of course, Mr. Bernardo. We'll be waiting ...