Chapter 42: Chapter 41

"I don’t celebrate birthdays." He leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms, his gaze cold but with a faintly amused glint. "Take it back."

"Fine, forget the birthday. Did you at least like it?" I asked, curious.

"This piece of crap?" Dominic pointed at the watch, his brow slightly furrowed.

"It’s not crap," I shot back, offended, taking a step forward.

He took the watch out of the box and examined it more closely.

"It is," he said, still not looking at me.

"Then since you didn’t like it, I’ll throw it away." I reached out toward the watch, but he quickly pulled back, keeping it out of my reach.

"Keep your hands off my watch." His voice came out low, almost amused.

"You just said it was crap."

"It still is." He lifted his gaze, fixing it on mine with that teasing look. "But it’s mine."

In one swift movement, Dominic took off the watch he was already wearing and put on the one I gave him. His fingers adjusted the strap.

"There." He said, still fixing the accessory.

A victorious smile spread across my lips, hard to hide.

"It looks much better on you," I murmured, savoring the small victory.

"Yeah, yeah... don’t think it’s a big deal." Dominic raised his wrist, showing off the new watch already adjusted. "I’m only wearing it because you went through the trouble of buying it... not to mention the bad taste." He arched an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching into an almost-smile. "But I’ll let it slide this time."

"Uh-huh," I replied, tilting my head with sarcasm. "And I’ll pretend you didn’t like it."

"I didn’t," he replied without hesitation, but his eyes dropped once again to the watch. "But I’m feeling generous today."

I rested my hands on the edge of the desk. "Funny..." I said in a low tone, biting my lip lightly to hold back a laugh. "For someone who didn’t like it, you’re taking good care of that ‘bad taste.’"

He looked away quickly, cleared his throat, and leaned back in the chair. Just as he was about to speak, a knock at the door broke the moment.

"Come in," Dominic said without taking his eyes off me.

The door opened slowly, and Enzo stepped in.

"Don, the car is ready for us to go."

"Good," his voice was short, emotionless.

Dominic stood up from the chair in one firm motion, adjusted his suit jacket with a quick tug, and cast one last look in my direction. Then he walked toward the door.

We left the office and headed toward the front door. Enzo went ahead, opened it, and a warm breeze brushed against my face. I adjusted my suit jacket with a firm motion, and we walked together toward the car waiting for us at the entrance.

I got in first, the cold leather of the seat contrasting with the heat outside. Enzo closed the door right after, and the car started moving, the wheels crushing the gravel with a dry crunch. The silence inside was almost absolute, broken only by the hum of the engine mixed with the distant noise of the busy streets, full of pedestrians and honking horns.

It didn’t take long for us to arrive at the shipping company. The car stopped by the curb, and Enzo immediately got out, opening the door for me. I stepped out calmly, adjusted my jacket once more, and let my gaze sweep the surroundings.

After a few steps, I spotted Arben, gesturing nervously at one of the workers. His movements were quick, exaggerated, and the tension on his face was impossible to miss. I kept walking, with Enzo right behind me, his steady steps matching mine.

When Arben noticed me, he straightened up immediately and forced a nervous smile.

"Mr. Moretti... come, please. I have your money." He ran a hand through his hair, trying to fix it in any way he could. "The weapons were unloaded just as you instructed."

We approached the table where the briefcase was. Enzo opened it without delay, revealing stacks of neatly arranged bills. My gaze moved slowly across each detail, confirming the amount.

"There’s half a million. It’s all there," Arben said, swallowing hard.

"It’s yours," I replied, my tone unchanged.

He blinked, confused. "M-mine?"

"Yes." I crossed my arms, keeping my eyes fixed on him. "You’ve been doing an excellent job. Consider it a small bonus."

Arben laughed nervously, visibly relieved, and shook his head. "Wow... thank you, Mr. Moretti. I’ll keep working on your shipments, as always."

I gave a slight nod. "Good."

"I like the watch. I have one just like that. Didn’t know you wore that kind."

I lowered my eyes to my wrist for a moment, watching the subtle shine of the metal, then looked back at him.

"I don’t. This one’s an exception."

"Ah, of course." He nodded, forcing a respectful smile.

"We’re done here," I said.

I turned around and walked toward the exit, my footsteps echoing firmly through the warehouse. The heavy air of the shipping facility lifted the moment I stepped outside and got into the car waiting for me.

The door closed as Enzo got in.

"New watch, sir?" Enzo asked, glancing at it.

"Yes," I replied, adjusting my jacket sleeve to cover it partially. "A gift."

He raised an eyebrow. "A gift?"

"Yes, a birthday gift." I crossed my legs and rested my arm on the door.

"But... you never celebrate your birthday." His tone was more curious than questioning.

"I know." I pressed my lips together, keeping my eyes on the window so I wouldn’t have to look at him. "But, as I said... I made an exception."

My thumb brushed the rim of the watch involuntarily.

The day went by in a blur — between the hotel and the vineyard, I didn’t stop for a second. It was already night when I returned home, the high moon following the rhythm of the car. My fingers brushed against the watch without me noticing, almost an involuntary habit, while my mind was already working through tomorrow’s commitments.