The ties that bind

The air inside the safe house felt heavy, thick with the weight of unspoken words and rising tensions.

The dim lighting only amplified the atmosphere of uncertainty, shadows stretching long across the walls as the Rossi siblings gathered around the wooden table.

They had spent days trying to figure out who had betrayed them—who had been feeding their enemies information, keeping them a step ahead at every turn.

But now, the game was about to change.

Serena sat near the end of the table, her fingers lightly tapping against the wood as she observed the room. Matteo and Lorenzo stood slightly apart from the others, their expressions unreadable. But there was something in their stance, something in the way they exchanged brief glances, that made Serena's stomach twist.

They knew something.

The realization sent a fresh wave of unease through her. If they had answers, why weren't they speaking?

Vincenzo, standing with his arms crossed, was the first to break the silence. "You two are holding something back."

Marco scoffed, leaning forward with an irritated scowl. "Of course they are. They have that look." He jabbed a finger toward Matteo. "Just say it."

Matteo let out a slow breath, dragging a hand down his face. "It's not that simple."

Marco's patience frayed instantly. "What's not simple about it? We've been chasing ghosts while someone—someone close to us—has been stabbing us in the back." His voice was sharp, laced with anger that none of them could blame him for. "If you know who it is, say it."

Alessandro shifted uncomfortably. His voice, softer yet edged with rare steel, cut through the tension. "If you're keeping this from us, you have a damn good reason."

Matteo hesitated, and Serena felt the room tighten around her.

Lorenzo finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Because if we make a move too soon, we lose."

Silence.

Serena's pulse pounded as she absorbed those words.

"We need proof," Lorenzo continued, scanning their faces. "Real proof."

Marco let out a bitter chuckle. "The access logs weren't enough?"

Lorenzo shook his head. "No. The logs tell us someone was in the system, but they don't tell us how deep this goes. If we accuse the wrong person, or if they catch on too soon—" He didn't finish, but they all knew what he meant.

If the traitor got spooked, they could disappear. Or worse, they could retaliate before the Rossis were ready.

Matteo exhaled sharply. "We need them to feel safe. Like they still have the upper hand."

Vincenzo leaned forward, his jaw tight. "And how do you propose we do that?"

Lorenzo met his gaze without flinching. "We set a trap."

Serena felt her breath hitch, her mind racing with the possibilities.

Marco leaned back, shaking his head. "A trap? And if it goes wrong?"

Lorenzo's jaw tightened. "It won't."

Santiago, who had been leaning silently against the wall, finally spoke. "You need bait."

His words sent a chill through Serena.

Matteo's expression darkened. "Yes."

Alessandro frowned, shifting uncomfortably. "Bait? Who—" He suddenly froze, his face draining of color. "No. No way."