12. Leonardo's Decision

 Leonardo pressed his fingers so hard that the tips of his nails cut into his palms. La Vendetta was precious to him. Ever since he was born, he had been the most important part of the organization. His father, the previous leader, had groomed him to be the next leader. Now that his parents were gone, all that remained was their legacy of La Vendetta.

The man looked deeply at Caterina. His chest heated up when he had to choose one or the other. La Vendetta or Caterina were two things that were equally important to him. He could not choose one or the other. Leonardo was really at his lowest point now. He was supported by such a big dilemma.

“No need to waste time; you already know what the answer is.” Caterina said to Marco. She was very sure that Leonardo would refuse the offer because she was not valuable to him. She was very upset with Marco because he reminded her of the pain of rejection.

“What makes you think I care about that woman?” Leonardo turned to look at Marco. “I only came here to ensure her death.”

Caterina felt like her chest was stabbed by dozens of knives when she heard that sentence. She knew that Leonardo's answer would always hurt, but she still felt pain when she heard it in person. Her hands were clenched very hard, her face red with pain and anger.

Marco chuckled in response to Leonardo's words. “It's fine if you've made your choice. I gave you the chance to save Kate, but you'd rather she die. I understand.”

“Boss.” Alex looked at Leonardo with an uncomprehending look. He was witness to Leonardo's panic over Caterina's whereabouts. The man was furious when he knew that Caterina was in danger. Yet, why did he act like he didn't care when they had a chance to save her? Leonardo didn't have to leave La Vendetta to save Caterina; they could have taken up arms and started a war. After all, they have that many members with adequate combat equipment. If they fought, it was obvious who would win.

Leonardo did not give any response; the man was just silent with an expression that was difficult to guess. He seemed to be thinking hard.

“Thank you for making the right decision. I don't want to be indebted to you either.” Caterina said sharply. She smiled sarcastically, then turned to leave when Marco dragged her to leave.

“Boss, you're really not going to do anything? Why would we gather so many members if only to give up before fighting?” Alex was still trying to convince Leonardo.

“Observe every corner of this mansion. We'll be back in a few hours with a better plan.” Leonardo said quietly but sounded very firm.

Alex nodded in understanding; the next minute they left there. They gathered in a place to plan.

***

“You still haven't killed her?” Rossie couldn't help but feel annoyed this time. She had repeatedly reminded her brother to finish off Caterina, but that small request was never fulfilled. Now her emotions were no longer bearable. She grabbed the gun, cuffed it, and pressed the trigger right against Caterina's forehead.

Caterina was quite surprised that Rossie did it so quickly. She looked at the woman warily. Even though she said that she wasn't afraid of death, she still felt afraid of facing death.

“Don't you know how to have fun? Your enemy is now within your grasp; why don't you have some fun with her first? You can make her your slave before you kill her. I still need her to mentally destroy Leonardo. Although he says he doesn't care, I can see the anger in his eyes. I'm sure soon he'll come back here and start the battle. That's exactly what I want. I've set many traps here. I can assure you that this time I will immobilize him. I can't touch him if we fight openly.” Marco explained at length.

Rossie didn't seem to care. She intended to pull the trigger now; she would smash Caterina's head in front of her brother.

“Rossie, I'll be angry if you ruin my plan. You're not a child anymore that I should pamper by fulfilling all your wishes. She is my weapon now. If you dare to kill her, I will consider the brotherly relationship between us severed.” Marco began to threaten. If gentle words were not listened to, then threats would be the only way.

Rossie looked very angry when she heard the sentence Marco said.

“Now you prefer her to me?” The beautiful woman couldn't believe it. Her eyes were red from crying. She felt so sick when her brother started yelling at her for another woman. All this time Marco had always pampered her, spoken tenderly to her, protected her, and showered her with an endless stream of affection. Now, just because of another woman, her brother was threatening to break their siblings relationship.

“I have reminded you repeatedly; she is the most powerful weapon for me to defeat Leonardo. You should be able to understand. Leonardo is my biggest enemy; he can't be touched. With Kate here, I can at least have a chance to defeat him. I've managed to mess with his mind. Leonardo usually attacks immediately when he feels upset, but look at what he's doing now. He needed time to formulate a plan before coming here to attack.” Marco explained at length.

Caterina laughed at Marco's explanation. Because she felt intrigued by the man's words.

“You're deluded, fool. Leonardo left because he didn't care about me. What do you expect from me? I am not a weapon, as you say. Leonardo will not return as you say.” Caterina said, holding back her laughter. Why was Marco so stupid in reading the situation?!

Just as Caterina finished speaking, there was an explosion up ahead.

“He's finally back. The battle has begun.” Marco said with a smile, apparently very happy.