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Her words ignite something within me – determination, hope, maybe even love. For the first time since learning of my father's potential betrayal, I feel like I can breathe again.
"Thank you, Jasmine," I murmur, wanting to pull her close. But, my men await. I simply squeeze her hand and lead her back to our table.
My men have put their faith in me, and it's crucial to devise a plan. With Jasmine by my side, I feel a renewed sense of determination.
"Alright," I say, clapping my hands together to get everyone's attention. "We need to strategize. Our first priority is to gather more information about my father's alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Enzo, use your connections from your days in intelligence to dig deeper into these rumors."
"Of course, Capo," Enzo replies, his expression serious and determined.
"Luciano, you'll work with Cipher to hack into any communications tied to this operation. Anything you can find could be vital to understanding the extent of the Don's criminal activities."
"Understood," Luciano says, already opening his laptop as Cipher gives him a nod.
"Cipher," I continue, turning to the black-market art dealer, "you'll keep eyes and ears out for anything related to the secret vault. If it exists, we need to know what's inside."
"Leave it to me, boss," Luciano responds confidently.
As our plans take shape, I can't help but notice the unwavering loyalty of my crew. It's humbling and reassuring, knowing that they trust me even when faced with the possibility that my own father has deceived us all.
"Thank you," I tell them sincerely, "for your dedication and unity. We are stronger together."
"Always, Capo," Enzo says, speaking for the group.
The moment is disrupted by a sudden alert from Cipher's computer. His eyes widen as he scans the screen. "Dario, we've got a problem. There's a bounty placed by the Don on someone interfering with his affairs. A 'ghostly figure,' they're calling them within your father's security system."
I turn to Jasmine and see her pale.
My father has discovered the ghost, and that means that perhaps now, it’s our turn to watch out for our protector.
"Stay vigilant," I tell them, dismissing the meeting. “And if you find out anything about the ghost, you call me immediately. And gentlemen, don’t ask me why, but we must protect the ghost. If my father is on his scent, you let me know.”
My men nod seriously before we adjourn for the afternoon.
The warehouse's heavy door creaks shut behind us, and the cold air outside whips my face as we leave the dimly lit building. The echo of the meeting is still ringing in my ears, but it's the thought of my father's involvement in drug trafficking that begins to eat away at me. I can't shake the feeling that the Don has betrayed us all, just like he did when I discovered my mother's hidden grave.
My hand tightens around Jasmine's, and she glances at me with gentle love. “You handled that well," she says softly, her breath visible against the chilly night air.
“Handled that well?" I repeat, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "I'm not sure, Jasmine. It feels like everything I know is falling apart."
"Your father…" she hesitates, choosing her words carefully. "He's a complicated man, Dario. But you're not him. You've proven that time and time again."
Her words offer a small comfort, but the pain runs deep – too deep to be forgotten so easily. My gaze drifts towards the moonlit sky, a silent plea for guidance. What am I supposed to do?
"Hey," Jasmine says gently, pulling me back into the present. "We'll figure this out together, okay? Just like we always do."
"Right," I nod, trying to center myself. "Together. One thing is for certain.”
“What’s that?”
“My father is keeping secrets from me.”
“Why do you say that?” she asks, curiously.
“He called me to tell me we might have a traitor in our midst. Yet, he never cared to share about the ghostly figure in our lives. Why would he keep the Ghost a secret… unless…” I try to formulate my thoughts.
“Unless he knows nothing the ghost,” she gasps.
“He could be spying on us,” I whisper.
