Page 24 of Secret Passion


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"Yes," I confirmed, my voice thick with emotion. "It's all yours. No matter where you go when you leave here, you can keep your studio here if you want."

"Thank you," she whispered, taking a step into the room, her hand brushing against the wooden easel as if to confirm its reality. "This is the most amazing gift."

"Enjoy it, Sophia," I said, exchanging a glance with Nicholas, who had suggested this as her gift. What she didn't know was that Riccardo had a very special watch to give her later on today.

Chapter 12

Nicholas

The door to my office clicked shut behind me, sealing off the outside world as I faced my most trusted allies. A single glance at the table before us revealed our collective determination, blueprints and maps strewn about like a battlefield, while information from Peter, Gary, and John stared back at us.

“Thanks to our three former Bianchi men,” I began, feeling the weight of each word as it left my lips, “we have everything we need to bring this war to its conclusion.” My eyes pierced through each man in turn, ensuring they understood the gravity of the situation. They were not just my allies; they were my brothers in arms.

“Each of you has been chosen for this mission because of your unique strengths and expertise.” I paused, allowing the words to sink in. “Failure is not an option.”

“Before we go any further,” I added, my gaze drifting to the photos of Peter, Gary, and John, “I need to make one thing clear: we protect our own. We’re not savages; we’re Romano men. Our objective is to neutralize Antonio Bianchi and protect our family’s honor. Understand?”

A chorus of affirmatives echoed around the room, and for a brief moment, a flicker of pride swelled within me. These men were willing to risk everything for our cause, and in return, I would do everything in my power to ensure their safety.

“All right, let’s go over our plan,” I said, my attention shifting to the blueprints spread across the table. “Matty, you have a crucial role in this operation.”

Matty, our tech expert, straightened his posture and looked at me with an eager glint in his eyes. He was young but extremely talented, and I had no doubt he would rise to the challenge.

“Your job is to hack into Bianchi’s security system and disable any surveillance cameras or alarms that could compromise our mission. We need complete control before we make our move. Can you handle it?”

“Absolutely, boss,” Matty replied confidently, his fingers twitching slightly as if already typing on his keyboard. “I’ve been studying their network for weeks now, and I’m positive I can get us in without leaving a trace.”

“Good,” I said, nodding. “Keep me informed of your progress. If anything changes or you run into any issues, let me know immediately.”

“Yes, boss,” Matty confirmed, determination etched on his face.

“Riccardo, you’re in charge of weapons and equipment,” I continued, my gaze falling on my childhood friend and righthand man. “Make sure everyone has what they need for the assault, and double-check everything. We can’t afford any mistakes.”

“Of course, Nicholas,” Riccardo replied, his voice steady and reassuring. “I’ll ensure we have enough firepower to overcome Bianchi’s defenses. And every man will know how to use their equipment effectively.”

“Excellent,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder. “I trust you completely. You’ve always had my back, and I know you won’t let me down now.”

“Never, boss,” Riccardo responded, his eyes conveying the depth of our bond.

As I looked around the room at my most trusted allies, I felt a surge of determination course through me. We were united in purpose and driven by loyalty, and there was no obstacle we couldn’t overcome together.

“Once we have control of Bianchi’s security system, we’ll strike with precision and force,” I stated, my voice resolute. “We will protect our family, our empire, and bring down Antonio Bianchi once and for all.”

“David, Enzo, I want you two on surveillance,” I commanded, my voice firm and steady. “Keep eyes on Bianchi’s movements in the days leading up to our assault. Gather any last-minute intelligence that could give us an advantage.”

“Whatever you say, boss,” David replied, while Enzo simply gave a curt nod, both men exuding a quiet determination. I knew I could count on them to be thorough and precise.

“Listen up, everyone,” I said, addressing the entire team. The room was heavy with anticipation, every man focused on my words. I understood their eagerness; we all longed for this war to end. Nonetheless, I needed them to remember the importance of restraint.

“Maintaining stealth is of utmost importance. We strike when they least expect it, and we do so with precision. I cannot afford unnecessary casualties among our ranks,” I continued, tapping my fingers on the table as I scanned the faces of my trusted allies. Their expressions hardened at my words, each one understanding the gravity of the situation.

“Neutralize Bianchi without spilling more Romano blood than necessary,” I instructed firmly. “We’re not here for a bloodbath, but to regain control and protect what’s ours.”

“Agreed, boss,” Riccardo chimed in, his tone laced with resolve. I could feel the unity among my men, the loyalty that bound us together like a tightly-knit tapestry.

“Remember, gentlemen,” I added, looking each of them directly in the eyes, “this isn’t just about us. It’s about our families, our future. Let’s make sure we see this through to the end without leaving a trail of regret.”

“Here’s to that!” James echoed, raising his clasped hands in solidarity. The others followed suit, their fists coming together with a resounding thud.

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