Chapter 73

As the afternoon sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the estate, Vincenzo stood on the balcony just outside their bedroom. He lit a cigarette, the familiar burn and smoke providing a momentary reprieve from the whirlwind of thoughts that consumed him. Annizah was resting inside, exhausted from the morning's training session. He watched her through the open doors, her peaceful face a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him.

He exhaled slowly, the smoke curling up into the air. The threats against their family, the constant vigilance, and the uncertainty of their enemies' next moves weighed heavily on him. Every decision, every action, had to be carefully calculated. As he took another drag, he heard footsteps approaching from behind.

"Boss," Baltazar's voice was low and respectful, breaking the silence of the moment.

Vincenzo turned slightly, acknowledging Baltazar with a nod. "What is it?" he asked, his tone neutral.

Baltazar stepped closer, holding out