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CHAPTER 29: THE PRICE OF LOVE
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-27 04:20:15
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Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 30: NO REDEMPTION
The warehouse was eerily quiet, save for the sound of Enzo’s measured footsteps echoing against the cold concrete. Marco sat slumped in a chair at the center of the room, his face bruised and bloodied, his hands bound tightly behind him. A single bulb swung overhead, casting sharp shadows across the space.Enzo’s men lined the walls, silent and tense. At their feet lay the bodies of the Torres guards who had attempted to break Marco out earlier that night.“You’ve always had a flair for the dramatic,” Marco rasped, his swollen lips twisting into a defiant smirk. “A solitary light bulb? Really? What’s next, a monologue about betrayal?”Enzo stopped a few feet from him, his dark eyes burning with quiet fury. “I don’t need theatrics, Marco. I need answers.”Marco barked a laugh, wincing as pain shot through his ribs. “Answers? Oh, Enzo. I thought you were smarter than this. You already know everything.”“What I know,” Enzo said slowly, his voice as sharp as the blade he pulled from his
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-28Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 31: A MAN IN CONFLICT
The soft flicker of candlelight cast shadows across the room as Enzo sat in silence, staring into the tumbler of whiskey in his hand. He could hear Sienna moving about in the next room, her presence both a comfort and a torment.Marco’s final words echoed in his mind: You can’t change, Enzo. Men like us? We don’t get to choose.“Whiskey for your thoughts?” Sienna’s voice broke the stillness, light and teasing, though her eyes carried a deeper concern as she stepped into the room.Enzo glanced up, his lips twitching into a faint smile. “You shouldn’t be up. It’s late.”She crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway. “Sleep doesn’t come easily these days. You should know that better than anyone.”He swirled the whiskey in his glass, the ice clinking softly. “This life... it’s not easy for anyone.”“No,” she agreed, taking a cautious step closer. “But it’s harder when you don’t let anyone in.”Enzo sighed, setting the glass down. “You’re already too far in, Sienna. If I could take it
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-29Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 32: BALANCING SHADOWS
“Enzo, if you can’t control our men, you’re as good as dead,” Luca snapped, slamming a file onto the table. “Marco’s betrayal was a crack in the foundation. If you don’t patch it now, it’ll crumble under you.”Enzo leaned back in his chair, voice cold, “Do you think I don’t know that? Marco’s shadow still lingers. But let’s not pretend you’ve been a saint, Luca. Questioning my decisions in front of the men doesn’t help.”“Your decisions? Luca asked, defiant You’ve been distracted. That girl—”Enzo cuts him off, voice razor-sharp. “Her name is Sienna. And if you mention her like she’s a problem again, we’ll have more than words.”“Luca isn’t wrong, Enzo." Nico interjected cautiously. "The men… they’re talking. They’re wondering if Marco wasn’t the only one with misplaced loyalty.”Enzo stood abruptly, slamming his palms on the table. “Are you implying Sienna is disloyal?”“No.” Nico said quickly, “But perception matters, and right now, she’s seen as an outsider. She’s your weakness in
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-30Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 33: LINES DRAWN IN THE SAND
“Every time she’s in the room, something goes wrong,” Luca growled, pacing the length of the dining hall. “How much more proof do you need, Enzo?”Enzo leaned back in his chair, unshaken. “You’re overstepping, Luca.”Luca slammed his palm on the table, “No, you’re blind! First Marco, now this mess at the docks. And somehow, it’s never her fault?”“He has a point, boss.” Nico sitting with arms crossed. “The timing doesn’t lie. Ever since she showed up—”“You mean ever since Enzo saved my life?” Sienna cut in, voice steady.Luca turned to her, his glare icy, “Saved your life? Or invited trouble into ours?”Sienna stepped forward. “You think I wanted any of this? You think I asked to be dragged into your world of guns and betrayal?”Nico raised a brow. “And yet here you are, standing in the middle of it.”“Enough.” Enzo bellowed as he rose, his tone silencing the room. “If you have something to say, Nico, Luca, say it to me. Leave her out of it.”“That’s the problem, Enzo.” Luca said wea
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-31Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 34: UNDER FIRE
“She’s poison, Enzo. The longer she stays, the more damage she’ll do,” Luca growled, pacing the length of the room like a caged animal.Nico leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “He’s not wrong. Marco was your second-in-command, Enzo. How does a betrayal like that happen under your nose? And right after she shows up?”“Are you implying something, Nico?” Enzo sat at the head of the table, his voice dangerously calm. “Because if you are, say it clearly. I don’t have time for games.”Luca stopped mid-pace, pointing at the door Sienna had just walked through. “She’s the problem. Ever since she showed up, everything’s been chaos. Marco turning on you, the Torres Clan growing bolder—it all tracks back to her.”“We’ve been under attack before, sure, but Marco?” Nico shrugged, his tone sharp. “That was different. That was inside. And you can be sure she has ties to the Torres Clan, whether she admits it or not.”Enzo leaned forward, his eyes blazing. “Tread carefully. You’re not accusing h
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-01Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 35: THREADS UNRAVELING
“Marco kept secrets even from you,” Sienna murmured, her fingers brushing over the edge of the faded envelope. “Imagine that.”Enzo’s eyes narrowed. “What are you trying to say?“This.” Sienna shot back. Holding up a large envelope. “I found it in Marco’s stash. Hidden in the lining of his briefcase.”Enzo took the envelope, inspecting it. “And you didn’t think to bring this to me first?”“I just did, didn’t I?” Sienna said, crossing her arms. “Or do you think I should’ve handed it to Luca so he could light it on fire?”Enzo opened the envelope and scanned the contents, his jaw tightening. “Careful, Sienna. Loyalty isn’t optional around here.”“Neither is curiosity, apparently.” Sienna countered sarcastically. “Read it. You’ll see why I didn’t keep this to myself.”Enzo read aloud. “‘Shipment schedule: Salazar. Negotiation points: Torres.’ What the hell is this?”“It’s a ledger, Enzo.” Sienna mocked. “Dates, locations, names. Marco wasn’t just playing both sides—he was working with Di
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-02Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 36: UNDER SIEGE
The crack of shattered glass echoed through the room as Luca slammed a whiskey tumbler onto the bar, his jaw tight with anger.“He’s tearing us apart, Enzo.” Luca growled. “Another shipment gone. Diego knows every damn move we make. How much longer are we going to let this happen?”Enzo leaned back in his chair, his voice calm but dangerous. “We don’t let anything happen, Luca. We retaliate when the time is right.”“With all due respect, waiting hasn’t worked.” Nico paced near the fireplace, his tone clipped. “Torres has Marco’s intel—he knows our routes, our schedules, everything. We’re bleeding out.”“Not everything.” Sienna said quietly, from her seat in the corner,Luca spun to face her, his voice sharp. “What’s that supposed to mean?”“I said he doesn’t know everything.” Sienna met his gaze steadily. “Marco wasn’t omniscient. If Torres knew everything, you’d all be dead by now.”“That’s comforting.” Nico scoffed. “Glad to know we’re only partially screwed.”Enzo cut through the t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-03Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 37: RISK AND VULNERABILITY
The rain hammered against the windows of the penthouse, a relentless rhythm that matched the tension in the room. Enzo stood near the floor-to-ceiling glass, staring at the city lights with his hands clenched into fists. Behind him, Sienna hovered, uncertain but unable to stay silent any longer.“You’ve been standing there for an hour.” Sienna said softly.“You shouldn’t be here, Sienna.” Enzo replied without turning, his voice husky. Sienna stepped closer. “I didn’t ask for permission.”“That’s the problem.” Enzo turned slightly, his jaw tight.“I’m not leaving, Enzo.” Sienna crossed her arms, her voice steady. “Not until you tell me what’s eating at you.”Enzo finally looked at her, his eyes dark. “Do you have any idea what it does to me? Knowing you’re in the middle of this war?”Sienna met his gaze. “I’m here now because I choose to be. You don’t get to decide for me.”Enzo took a step closer, his tone sharp. “This isn’t a choice, Sienna. It’s a death sentence. Every second you’r
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-04
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Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 81: THE WEIGHT OF THE PAST
Enzo sat at his desk, flipping through a newspaper, his jaw tightening as he read the headline.FORMER UNDERWORLD FIGURE TURNED BUSINESSMAN—CAN A LEOPARD REALLY CHANGE ITS SPOTS?The article went into detail about his past—his connections to the mafia, his leadership under the Falcone name, the violence, the power struggles. There were no outright accusations, but the implications were clear: Could someone like Enzo Falcone truly go legitimate?Federico stormed into the office, slamming the door behind him. “Have you seen this crap?” He threw the paper onto Enzo’s desk, eyes blazing.Enzo exhaled. “Yeah.”“This is deliberate,” Federico spat. “Someone fed them this. This isn’t just some journalist digging around—it’s a hit piece.”Enzo nodded. “I know.”Federico paced, running a hand through his hair. “I bet it’s Rossi.”Enzo’s gaze darkened. Carlo Rossi, their biggest competitor in the commercial real estate sector, had been circling them like a shark for weeks. He had old money, deep
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 80: SCALING UP
Enzo leaned back in his chair, scanning the paperwork in front of him. The numbers were solid. Their latest expansion deal was moving forward, and the projections looked even better than expected. Across the desk, Federico grinned, tapping his fingers against the polished wood.“We’re actually doing this,” Federico said, shaking his head in amusement. “Legitimate, profitable… almost feels like a dream.”Enzo smirked. “Told you we could.”Federico scoffed. “Yeah, yeah. But let’s not pretend you didn’t have doubts.”Enzo’s expression darkened slightly. “I still do. People like us don’t get clean slates. We build something good, and someone always wants to tear it down.”Federico’s grin faded. “You think Fabio's going to make a move?”Enzo sighed. “I don’t know. But I don’t trust him to sit back and do nothing.”Federico leaned forward. “So what’s the plan?”Enzo tapped the papers. “We keep expanding. The stronger we get, the harder we are to touch.”Federico nodded slowly. “I like it. B
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 79: BLOWBACK FROM THE PAST
Enzo sat at the back of the high-end restaurant, his fingers drumming lightly against the table. The air smelt of seared steak and expensive whiskey, but there was a tension beneath the polished atmosphere that he couldn’t ignore.Across from him sat Fabio Santori, a small-time player from the life Enzo had left behind. Fabio looked relaxed, sipping his wine, but Enzo wasn’t fooled. The man never did anything without an angle.Sienna sat beside Enzo, her presence a silent anchor. She had wanted to come, and Enzo hadn’t argued. If this meeting was going where he thought it was, she had every right to hear it for herself.Fabio set his glass down with a satisfied sigh. “You’ve done well for yourself, Enzo. Clean slate, legitimate business—quite the transformation.” He smirked. “But you know how it is. The past never really lets go.”Enzo’s jaw tightened. “If you came here to reminisce, I don’t have time for it.”Fabio chuckled, shaking his head. “Always direct. I respect that.” He leane
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 78: TOUGH TIMES,TOUGH MEASURES
The low hum of the espresso machine filled the quiet café as Enzo stirred his coffee absently, his gaze sharp and unrelenting as it rested on Federico. Across from him, Federico sat back in his chair, legs stretched out, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. But Enzo knew him too well—Federico was testing the waters, feeling out the boundaries of this new arrangement between them."So," Federico drawled, picking up his cup. "Are you going to keep watching me like I’m about to pull a knife on you, or can we have a normal conversation?"Enzo leaned forward, his voice steady, but the underlying steel was unmistakable. "I need you to hear me on this, Federico. If I ever suspect you're doing anything illegal—anything—I will cut you off without hesitation. No warnings, no second chances."Federico exhaled, shaking his head. "Christ, Enzo. You really think so little of me? I came to you because I want to do things the right way.""Do you?" Enzo challenged. "Or did you come because you figured wo
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 77: GAINING LEGITIMACY
Enzo sat at the long mahogany conference table, his fingers laced together, his expression unreadable as he listened to the final terms of the deal being read out loud. Across from him, Richard Lawson, a seasoned investor with a sharp eye for opportunity, slid the contract toward him."Everything looks good on our end," Richard said, tapping the folder. "This partnership could be lucrative for both of us."Enzo exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of this moment. This wasn’t like the deals he used to make—those had been sealed with handshakes and veiled threats. This was different. This was legitimate. He picked up the pen and signed his name at the bottom of the contract.Richard extended his hand. "Welcome to the world of legal business, Falcone."Enzo shook it firmly. "Appreciate it, Lawson."As the meeting wrapped up, Enzo stepped out of the office and into the waiting car, where Sienna sat in the passenger seat. She looked at him expectantly."Well?" she asked, her eyes scanning hi
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 76: THE REBOUND
The vibration of Enzo’s phone against the wooden kitchen counter broke the comfortable silence of the evening. He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening when he saw Luca’s name flashing. Sienna, curled up on the couch with a book, noticed his hesitation.“You going to answer?” she asked, watching him carefully.Enzo exhaled, rubbing his face before swiping the call. “Luca.”“Enzo.” Luca’s voice was edged with tension. “I need your advice.”Enzo closed his eyes briefly. He’d known this call would come eventually. “Luca, I told you—”“I know what you told me,” Luca cut him off, his frustration bleeding through. “But this isn’t something I can just figure out on my own. There’s a situation brewing between the Rojas and the Castillos. It’s bad.”Enzo pinched the bridge of his nose. “That’s not my problem.”“The hell it isn’t,” Luca snapped. “Nico’s trying to keep things steady, but if this war blows up, it’ll reach him too. He doesn’t need a damn war, Enzo. And neither do I.”Sienna sa
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 75: WIN SOME, LOSE SOME
Enzo sat at the sleek conference table, his hands folded together, his expression impassive as he listened to the man across from him hesitate."Mr. Falcone," the man—Mark Sinclair, owner of a high-end supply chain company—began, shifting in his seat. "Your reputation precedes you. And while I admire your desire to move into legitimate business, my board has concerns."Enzo’s jaw tightened, but his voice remained smooth. "Concerns."Sinclair cleared his throat. "Your name carries a... history. People talk. Investors listen. I’ve had calls warning me about potential risks." He exhaled. "I’m in the business of stability, Mr. Falcone. I can’t afford unnecessary complications."Enzo remained silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. Sienna, sitting beside him, placed a hand over his, a subtle reminder to keep his cool."I understand," Enzo finally said, his voice even. "I won’t pretend my past doesn’t exist. But I didn’t build an empire by being reckless. I know
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 74: A GHOST FROM THE PAST
The city lights flickered against the glass of the restaurant window, casting a faint glow over Enzo’s contemplative expression. The warmth of the quiet dinner he was sharing with Sienna was overshadowed by the unease curling at the edges of his mind.Across the street, seated on a bench as if he had all the time in the world, was someone Enzo never expected to see again—Vittorio Moretti.His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, fixed directly on Enzo.Sienna, sensing the shift in Enzo’s mood, set down her wine glass. “What is it?”Enzo’s jaw tightened. “Nothing. Just thought I saw someone I used to know.”Sienna’s eyes flickered with concern as she followed his gaze. “From before?”He exhaled slowly, nodding. “Moretti. Worked for the Marchesis. Ruthless bastard. The last time I saw him, he was standing over a man he had just gutted like a fish.”Sienna’s stomach twisted. “You think he’s here for you?”Enzo didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he lifted his glass to take a sip
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 73: PROMISES AND DRAWBACKS
Enzo sat across from Charles Whitmore, the local businessman who had seemed so eager to finalize their deal just days ago. But now, the man’s posture was stiff, his gaze wary. Enzo recognized that look—it was the same one he’d seen countless times before, in both allies and enemies.“I appreciate you coming in, Mr. Falcone,” Whitmore started, his voice too formal, too detached. “But after some further consideration, I’ve decided to withdraw from our agreement.”Enzo exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the polished wood of Whitmore’s desk. “Consideration,” he echoed. “Or did someone dig into my past?”Whitmore’s lips pressed into a thin line. He didn’t deny it. “I won’t lie to you. Your name carries… a certain reputation. My investors don’t feel comfortable moving forward.”Enzo leaned back in his chair, a humorless smirk tugging at his lips. “And what exactly do they think I’m going to do? Shake them down? Launder money through your company?” He scoffed. “I left that life behi
