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Chapter 40: Blood and Betrayal

last update Last Updated: 2025-04-24 02:46:07

Stefano.

The morning heat clung to the Milanese countryside like a shroud. It was thick with tension and the smell of gunpowder enveloped the field. Stefano stood over the body, his jaw tight, his pistol still raised. Smoke curled from the barrel, disappearing into the warm breeze.

The man’s blood darkened the dirt beneath him.

He had been one of Stefano's own. Trusted. Loyal. Or so he thought.

“Selling our weapons to our enemies?” Stefano muttered to himself, fury darkening his features. “And skimming off the top for your own pocket?”

The betrayal sliced deep.

This wasn’t the first. And wouldn’t be the last.

“I’ve buried more of my men this year than I can count,” he said bitterly, addressing the two soldiers standing behind him, both pale, both silent. “Every time I look into one of their eyes, I wonder who’s next.”

He stared down at the corpse for a long moment before glancing up. “Clear this mess.”

“Yes, Don De Ricco,” they said in unison, dragging the body away without question.

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