Page 8 of The Hunter's Empire

"Very little." He admits. "That’s part of the reason people talk about him the way they do."

His voice stays even, professional, but there’s something knowing underneath it.

"Some people claim he was trained through off-record black operations programs across different countries. Others say he’s one of the best contract operatives in Europe. Surveillance, infiltration, close combat, long-range work…" Stefano pauses briefly. "Apparently, he prefers knives when situations get personal."

My brows lift slightly. "That sounds more like mythology than fact."

"Maybe." Stefano’s expression doesn’t change. "But people rarely become myths without giving others a reason."

I stay quiet, listening.

"He’s also highly skilled with security systems." Stefano continues. "Advanced surveillance overrides, encrypted network breaches, counter-tracking. From what I’ve heard, by the time people realize he was there, he’s already gone."

"Convenient reputation."

"It keeps people cautious."

I glance toward the window for a second, thinking. A man capable of slipping through the Keegans’ defenses, even temporarily, wasn’t just talented. He was dangerous. And suddenly, this meeting feels much bigger than a simple acquisition request.

I listen carefully, and with every detail he shares, my intrigue grows stronger. There is something almost thrilling about the idea of a man who can slip through defenses that my best people cannot touch.

Part of me feels cautious because people like that usually come with complications, but another part, the part that now carries the full weight of Dad’s empire, sees opportunity. If I could bring someone like Domenico onto my side, even temporarily, it could change how I approach every difficult target going forward.

"How would I even find someone like him?" I ask after a moment, breaking the silence that had settled between us.

My tone stays composed, but I can hear the curiosity underneath it now. "If he’s as skilled as you say he is, there has to be some way to contact him."

Stefano watches me carefully, almost like he’s trying to decide how much to say.

I lean back slightly in my chair, crossing one leg over the other. "I’m interested in understanding how somebody managed to get past the Keegans’ security when some of the best cybersecurity teams in Europe can’t even get close."

"That," Stefano says smoothly, "is exactly why people become fascinated with Domenico."

The name lingers in my mind again. Domenico Valenti. Il Fantasma.

Even the nickname sounds calculated. Like something designed to spread quietly through conversations until it became larger than the man himself.

Stefano's expression doesn't change as he continues."But finding him isn’t simple, Ms. Krogen. Domenico doesn’t operate like a normal contractor. You can’t call an assistant, schedule a meeting, or send him an offer through some encrypted business channel."

"And yet people still hire him."

"They do." Stefano says. "When he allows it."

That answer only deepens my curiosity.

I study him carefully. "What makes him so selective?"

For the first time since this conversation began, Stefano takes a few seconds before answering. "It’s not really about money."

My brows lift slightly. "That’s unusual for someone in his line of work."

"Yes." Stefano agrees calmly. "Which is part of what makes him difficult."

Sharp lines of shadow cut across his face as he sits back in his chair. He looks relaxed, but there is something deliberate about the way he speaks, as if every sentence is weighed carefully before he allows it out.

"From what I understand," he continues, "Domenico takes jobs because they interest him. Not because he needs them."

"And what exactly interests a man like that?"