The ties that bind

Chapter 40 - The Trap is Set

Serena knew before anyone said it.

"It has to be me." Her voice was steady, even though every nerve in her body screamed at her.

Marco shot up from his chair. "Absolutely not."

Matteo remained firm. "She's the only one who makes sense."

"No, she's not," Vincenzo argued. "We can't risk her like this."

Serena's heartbeat pounded in her ears, but she stood her ground. "It's my choice."

Marco turned on her, frustration and fury flashing in his eyes. "Do you even understand what you're saying? If this goes wrong—"

"It won't," she interrupted, lifting her chin defiantly. "Because I'll make sure it doesn't."

Lorenzo studied her, his expression unreadable. But she could tell—he had already accepted this as the only way forward.

"The traitor has been watching us," he said. "But now, we'll be watching them."

A heavy silence settled over the room, pressing against them like a storm about to break.

Matteo finally turned to Serena, his expression softer, almost hesitant. "Are you sure?"

She took a slow breath before nodding. "I am."

Vincenzo slammed his fist against the table, frustration and helplessness radiating from him. "This is reckless."

"It's necessary," Lorenzo countered. "We let the traitor think they still have control. They'll make a move soon—and when they do, we'll be ready."

Marco exhaled harshly, running a hand through his hair. "I don't like this."

"No one does," Matteo admitted. "But it's our best chance."

Santiago's sharp eyes flickered toward Serena. "You're playing with fire, Tormenta."

She smirked, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Wouldn't be the first time."

Lorenzo's voice was the final nail in the plan. "Then it's settled."

The trap was set.

Now all they had to do was wait for the snake to strike.

The room remained thick with tension long after Lorenzo's final words. The reality of the plan settled over them like a suffocating weight, pressing into their chests with every passing second.

Alessandro still looked pale, his fingers curled into tight fists at his sides. "I don't like this." His voice wavered slightly, but there was no mistaking the conviction beneath it. "Serena shouldn't have to do this."

Serena turned to him, her expression softening. "None of us should have to do any of this." She gave a small, tired smile. "But here we are."

Marco exhaled sharply, running both hands through his hair. "There has to be another way."

"There isn't." Matteo's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "We can't afford to wait for them to make the next move on their terms. We take control now, or we'll always be a step behind."

Raffaele, who had been silent for most of the discussion, finally spoke up. "And what if they don't take the bait?" His dark eyes flickered to Serena, concern evident in his gaze. "What if they realize we're onto them?"

Lorenzo leaned forward, placing both hands on the table. "Then we adapt. But if we hesitate now, we'll never get another chance like this."

Vincenzo exhaled slowly, his arms still crossed over his chest. "We should at least be there to watch her back."