Chapter 79 Shadows In The Hall

• Giovanni sat at the head of the table, fingers laced under his chin, observing the room like a chessboard. Across from him sat Stefano, lounging like he belonged there, swirling wine in a crystal glass with that ever-cocky smirk that made Giovanni want to put his fist through something.
• “As I was saying,” Stefano continued smoothly, “we need to reconsider the Portofino route. It’s slower, yes, but it avoids surveillance entirely. Our current channels are being flagged too often.”
• Giovanni cut in, sharp and controlled. “We’ve run Portofino before. It’s unstable. I’m not handing over that kind of leverage.”