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CHAPTER 65: THE FAMILY YOU CHOOSE
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-06 03:51:40
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Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 66: THE BEGINNING OF THE END
A thick fog rolled in from the ocean, shrouding the rusted shipping containers and abandoned cranes in eerie silence. The only sound was the distant crashing of waves against the dock and the faint clicking of weapons being loaded.Enzo stood in the middle of the yard, surrounded by his men—Luca, Nico, Federico, and the rest of his crew. Their faces were hard, their fingers resting lightly on their triggers.Across from them, Diego Torres emerged from the shadows, his army of killers fanning out behind him.The two men locked eyes, years of rivalry boiling down to this moment.“So this is how it ends, Falcone? In the dirt, where you belong?”Diego said mockingly.“No, Torres. It ends with you bleeding out at my feet.” Enzo responded, calm and deadly. Diego grinned, but there was a flicker of unease in his eyes.“Big words. But I don’t see Marco here to back you up anymore.” Diego scoffed. A muscle in Enzo’s jaw twitched, but he didn’t rise to the bait.“And I don’t see Giancarlo stan
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-09Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 67: CAPTURED BUT NOT BROKEN
Sienna’s wrists burned where the zip ties dug into her skin. Her pulse thundered in her ears as she took in the dimly lit room—concrete walls, a metal chair she was tied to, and a single flickering bulb overhead. Diego Torres stood a few feet away, arms crossed, a smirk curling his lips. “I expected Enzo to come charging in, guns blazing, by now. Maybe he doesn’t care as much as you thought.” Diego mocked. Sienna refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. She rolled her shoulders, trying to ignore the dull ache in her arms. “You’re underestimating him. That’s your first mistake.” Sienna replied calmly. Diego chuckled, pacing in front of her. “Oh, I don’t underestimate Enzo Falcone. He’s predictable. A man in love? Even more so. He’ll come straight for you, and when he does, I’ll be waiting.” Sienna arched her brow. “So you kidnapped me as bait? Not very original.” Diego crouched down, resting his elbows on his knees. “True. But I also wanted to talk. Just you
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-12Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 68: THE PRICE OF VICTORY
The air was thick with gunpowder, smoke curling through the dimly lit warehouse. Overhead lights flickered, casting jagged shadows across the steel beams and crates. The ground was littered with the bodies of Diego’s men, the last remnants of his army. Enzo wasn’t surprised that Diego returned to this warehouse, seeing that this was where it all started almost a year to the day. Enzo stepped forward, his grip tightening on his gun as he locked eyes with Diego Torres, the man who had nearly destroyed everything. Blood dripped from a gash on Enzo’s temple, staining the collar of his black shirt, but his focus was razor-sharp. Diego, wounded but defiant, leaned against a stack of crates, his chest heaving. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he wiped blood from his lips. “Well,” Diego rasped, his voice thick with pain. “You finally made it, Falcone. I was starting to think you didn’t have the guts to face me.” Enzo tilted his head, his expression unreadable. “If I wante
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-16Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 69: THE MOP UP
The map of their next target lay on the table, its edges curling slightly under the weight of countless hours of planning. Enzo stood at the head of the table, jaw clenched, arms crossed. Luca, Nico, and Federico stood nearby, their gazes flicking toward Sienna, who sat defiantly across from Enzo.She had been silent since he announced his plans to go after the remnants of Diego’s forces, but now, her voice cut through the tension like a blade.“I’m coming with you.” Sienna announced.Enzo barely spared her a glance. “No, you’re not.”Sienna leaned forward, her eyes fiery. “Yes, I am.”Luca exhaled sharply, exchanging a glance with Nico. “Here we go.”Enzo’s gaze finally met hers, dark and unrelenting.“This isn’t a discussion, Sienna. You’re staying here.”“You don’t get to decide that.” Sienna challenged.“Like hell I don’t.” Enzo retorted, voice hardening.Federico, always the observer, smirked but said nothing.Sienna pushed back her chair and stood, planting her hands on the tabl
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-17Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 70: A NEW DAWN IS POSSIBLE
The war was over. Diego was gone. Mateo was dead. But the cost had been staggering. Enzo stood at the head of the table; the dim glow of the overhead lights cast long shadows across the room. His presence alone commanded attention, but tonight, there was something different about him—something that made even Luca, Nico, and Federico hesitate before speaking.This wasn’t easy for Enzo, but it was necessary. He exhaled slowly before speaking. “I’m out.”A beat of silence. Then Luca scoffed, shaking his head. “Out?”“You heard me,” Enzo said, voice steady. “It’s done. I’m leaving this life behind.”Luca slammed his fist on the table. “You can’t just walk away, Enzo. You built this empire. You don’t get to abandon it like it’s nothing.”Enzo met his friend’s glare with calm determination. “I’ve given everything to this life, Luca. More than I ever should have. It’s cost me too much, and I won’t let it take anything else.” His thought drifted briefly to Sienna.Nico leaned back in his cha
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-19Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 71: SUNSET AND A NEW BEGINNING
A few weeks later, Enzo and Sienna stood at the edge of a new beginning. The private jet hummed softly under the night sky, its sleek silhouette standing against the backdrop of the dimly lit runway. A cool breeze rustled Sienna’s hair as she turned to Enzo, her fingers tightening around his hand.“Ready?” she asked, searching his face.Enzo exhaled slowly, glancing back at the world he was leaving behind—the shadows of his past, the men who had once bled for him, and the ghosts that would never fully disappear. He wasn’t sure if ‘ready’ was the right word, but for the first time in his life, he wasn’t looking back with regret.“Yeah,” he murmured, squeezing her hand. “I’m ready.”He took one last look at the life he was leaving behind. The weight of years of bloodshed, power, and sacrifice settled deep in his bones. But for the first time, he felt something else. Hope.They climbed the stairs to the plane, the warmth of the cabin wrapping around them like a silent promise. Sienna set
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-21Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 72: UNLEARNING A WAY OF LIFE
The city was different from anything Enzo had known. No hidden alleyway dealings, no late-night strategy meetings over shipments and rival movements. Just people going about their lives—normal, everyday lives. It was unsettling.Sienna glanced at him from across the small café table, stirring sugar into her coffee. "You’re watching everyone like they might pull a gun on you any second."Enzo smirked, shaking his head. "Force of habit."She reached for his hand. "We’re safe here, Enzo. No more looking over your shoulder."He squeezed her fingers but didn’t comment. Instead, he exhaled, glancing out at the busy street. "So, tell me more about this place you found."Sienna pulled out her phone and scrolled through a few photos before handing it over. "It’s a restaurant—well, more like a failing restaurant. But the location is prime, and with some investment and the right management, it could turn into something great."Enzo studied the images. The place had potential but was clearly negl
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22Beneath 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-23
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Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 99: WE ARE HOME
Enzo is with Federico to look at the books. He’s impressed with the figures, as he watches Federico pace behind the desk, sleeves rolled up, tie askew, an earpiece clipped to one ear.“Move the meeting with the Milan investors to Thursday, I want numbers in my inbox by tomorrow morning—no excuses.”He ended the call and turned to Enzo. “If these projections hold, we’re expanding to Zurich by next quarter.”Enzo blinked. “Zurich?”Federico grinned. “You said you wanted global. I’m delivering global.”“Remind me never to underestimate you again.”Federico smirked. “That’s twice this week you’ve said that.”“Because that's twice you’ve shocked him this week. Matteo added, tapping away at his laptop, glancing between screens and a printed contract.“You highlighted the wrong clause,” Enzo said mildly.Matteo frowned. “I thought that was the jurisdiction clause?”“It is. But the problem’s in the indemnity section.”Matteo groaned. “This stuff is so dry.”Enzo chuckled. “So was accounting w
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 98: FINDING PEACE
The warm light from the desk lamp cast a soft glow over the dark wood and leather. Enzo sat behind the desk, going over reports. The door creaked open, and Luca stepped in, unannounced but expected.“You’re late,” Enzo said without looking up.Luca smirked as he closed the door. “You never used to care about time when we were running heat in our backstreets.”“Now I care about school runs and quarterly projections,” Enzo replied, setting down his pen. “Different stakes.”Luca nodded and sat across from him. “It’s quieter out there.”Enzo raised an eyebrow. “Too quiet?”“There’s a vacuum, Enzo. Since you left… there’s no one solid holding things together.”“That’s not my concern anymore.”Luca leaned back, studying him. “You always had the head for order. Even when we were knee-deep in mess, you brought structure. People respected that.”“And feared it,” Enzo muttered. “Don’t romanticize it, Luca.”“I’m not. I’m telling you there’s instability. Factions forming, reckless kids stepping
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 97: LIVING THE LIFE
The late afternoon sun filtered through the kitchen windows, casting a golden hue across the counters. Sienna stood barefoot at the island, cutting strawberries for Lucia, who sat in her high chair, babbling to herself and occasionally tossing fruit to the floor.“Sweetheart,” Sienna said, laughing, “the food goes in your mouth, not under the fridge.”Lucia squealed in delight, clearly unconcerned.Enzo entered, sleeves rolled up, loosened tie around his neck. He leaned down, kissing Lucia’s forehead and then Sienna’s cheek.“Smells good in here,” he murmured.“That’s because it’s strawberries and not one of your protein shakes,” she teased.He chuckled. “Fair.”They watched Lucia for a moment, both quiet.“She’s growing fast,” Sienna said softly. “Seems like just yesterday I was waddling through this house, cursing swollen ankles.”Enzo smiled, resting a hand on her back. “And now she’s tossing berries like confetti.”Sienna turned to look at him. “Have you ever thought about having
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 96: GIVING BACK
Sienna adjusted the collar of her blouse as she stood in front of the small group of women seated in folding chairs. A banner hung behind her, the freshly printed letters reading: Lucia Foundation – Hope Beyond the Shadows. Natalia stood off to the side, clipboard in hand, giving her an encouraging nod.“You’ve got this,” Natalia whispered.Sienna smiled, then took a breath and stepped forward.“Thank you all for coming today. I know how hard it can be to walk into a room like this. I’ve been where you are. Caught in a world that told me silence was survival.”A murmur of agreement rippled through the group.“But silence isn’t strength,” Sienna continued. “Community is. And that’s what we’re building here.”After the session ended, Natalia approached her with a wide grin. “You were amazing. The women were hanging on every word.”Sienna exhaled, wiping her palms on her skirt. “I was terrified.”“Didn’t show.”Just then, Sienna’s phone buzzed. It was a picture from Federico—baby Lucia n
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 95: A GHOST OF THE FUTURE
Enzo leaned back in his chair, flipping through the latest quarterly report. The numbers didn’t lie. His lips curled into a wide smile just as Federico walked in, looking confident, sleeves rolled up and phone still in hand.Enzo raised a brow. “That the final call?”Federico nodded, tossing his phone onto the desk. “Done. They signed.”Enzo blinked. “You closed it?”Federico smirked. “I told you I would.”Enzo stood and walked around the desk. “You got them to agree to our terms? All of them?”“Every single one,” Federico said, voice calm but proud. “Distribution rights, branding control, full autonomy for expansion in the next region.”“Jesus,” Enzo muttered, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “That’s huge, Fed. This deal alone will cover our overhead for the next six months.”Federico chuckled. “Told you to trust me.”“I do trust you,” Enzo said, then added with a smirk, “But I didn’t expect you to wipe the floor with their legal team.”“They tried to box me in,” Federico said, settl
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 94: ONE LAST CHANCE
Enzo stood behind the counter of his café, sleeves rolled up, taking a break. The late afternoon crowd had thinned, leaving a calm lull in the air. The door chimed softly.Nico stepped in, dressed down in jeans and a black hoodie, eyes scanning the space.“Didn’t peg you for the espresso crowd,” Enzo said, smirking as he glanced up.Nico shrugged. “Didn’t come for coffee.Enzo picked up his coffee. “Then come on. Back patio’s quiet.”They moved out to the enclosed terrace, where potted herbs lined the walls and the city noise faded behind a curtain of green. Nico sat, drumming his fingers on the table.Enzo leaned back in his chair. “Talk to me.”“I’ve been thinking,” Nico started, eyes distant. “Things are shifting. Luca’s hanging by a thread. Everyone’s watching their backs. It’s not the life it used to be.”“It never was,” Enzo replied. “We just convinced ourselves it was worth the cost.”Nico looked up. “You made it out. Legit. I didn’t think it was possible, but you did it.”“It
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 93: BABY ON BOARD
Sienna pressed a hand to her belly, breathing through the tightness that gripped her. The restaurant bustled around her, waiters weaving between tables, the scent of fresh pasta and espresso filling the air. She tried to focus on the conversation with her friend, but another sharp pain made her grip the edge of the table.“Are you okay?” her friend, Natalia asked, concern flickering in her eyes.Sienna exhaled slowly. “I think—I think it’s happening.”Natalia’s eyes widened. “Now? Sienna, we need to call Enzo.”Sienna nodded, fumbling for her phone. Her hands trembled as she hit Enzo’s number. He picked up on the first ring.“Hey, piccola. What’s wrong?”She sucked in a breath, another contraction making her voice waver. “It’s time.”A chair scraped loudly on the other end. “Where are you?”“At the restaurant. I was meeting Natalia—”“I’m on my way.” His voice was sharp with urgency. “Stay put.”The call ended, and Natalia stood, waving down a waiter. “We need to get her somewhere mor
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 92: TWO SIDES OF A COIN
Alessandro DeLuca sat in the sparsely furnished living room, an empty glass in his hand, staring at the pile of unpaid bills scattered across the table. The walls around him felt smaller, suffocating.The front door opened, and Veronica stepped inside, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. She wasn’t alone—Julian and Victoria trailed behind her, their expressions unreadable.Alessandro straightened. “You’re back.”Veronica met his gaze, but there was no warmth in her eyes. “Only to get the rest of our things.”His stomach dropped. “What?”She sighed, placing her purse down. “I’m leaving, Alessandro. For good. And the kids are coming with me.”Julian, arms crossed, stood firm. “We don’t want to be part of this anymore, Dad.”Victoria, barely holding back tears, nodded. “Mom’s right. It’s not safe here.”Alessandro’s jaw clenched. “Safe? I’m your father. You think running away is the answer?”Veronica stepped closer, her voice calm but unwavering. “You burned every bridge, Ales
Beneath the Shadows CHAPTER 91: THE CONTRACT
The air inside the office was thick with tension. Federico paced near the window, eyes darting to the street below. Enzo, seated at his desk, flipped a pen between his fingers, his expression unreadable."Word's out," Federico finally said, his voice low. "Everyone knows you've left. Some think you're weak. Others think you’re a liability. And then there are the ones who just want you gone."Enzo didn’t react. He merely leaned back in his chair, the pen still spinning. "And which one sent the hitman?"Federico scoffed. "Does it matter? The fact is, someone’s coming. And we need to be ready."A long silence stretched between them. Enzo finally put the pen down, lacing his fingers together. "How sure are you?""Nico sent word. Said he caught wind of something through one of his informants. A contract’s been put out. Clean, quiet, professional. Someone wants you buried without a trace."Enzo sighed. "Any names?"Federico hesitated. "Just one. Matteo Ricci."Enzo’s brow furrowed. "Ricci?
