CHAPTER 304
Ellis Barker was sitting in the austere room of Grigory and Sergei Petrov's house, ruthless leaders of the Kurganskaya Bratva. The heavy atmosphere was a constant reminder of the dangerous situation she was in. The door creaked open, and Mikhail allowed Angelo Messina to enter the room. Messina shot a thankful glance at Mikhail before closing the door.
Ellis's eyes met Messina's, and she couldn't help but express her curiosity and suspicion. “What are you still doing here?”
Maintaining an unruffled expression, Messina calmly replied, “I'm waiting for Vittorio, just like Grigory and Sergei.”
Ellis laughed ironically. “They'll be disappointed when they realize he's not coming to rescue me.”
Messina smiled enigmatically. “Nevertheless, Grigory and Sergei won't leave empty-handed. They'll seek revenge for Jacomo Grecco... on you.”
Curiosity turned into confrontation for Ellis. “Why did you betray Vittorio, Angelo?”
Messina's response was quick and straightforward. “Vittorio betrayed me by kidnapping Donna from inside my home.”
Ellis retorted, “You don't even know if it was really Vittorio. It's just assumptions.”
Messina shook his head. “These aren't assumptions. I caught one of Vittorio's associates.”
Ellis frowned. “Who?”
“Matarazzo,” Messina replied.
It was as if a puzzle piece clicked in Ellis's mind. “Is that what you were talking about on the phone, mentioning you had a lead?”
Messina nodded. “Yes.”
Ellis persisted, “So, Matarazzo confirmed that it was Vittorio?”
Messina shook his head. “No, but I know. I feel it was him, and soon I'll have confirmation.”
Messina stood up, indicating he was leaving. “I'll let you rest.”
However, Ellis was not satisfied. “You didn't answer my question, Don Angelo.”
Messina turned to her. “What question?”
“Why did you betray Vittorio?” demanded Ellis, raising her head with determination.
Messina stared at her for a moment, pondering his words. “I've already answered that question. He put me in a position of weakness by invading my home and betraying my trust.”
But she didn't accept that answer. “It's not just about Donna,” Ellis lifted her gaze, firm. “Why did you betray Vittorio on the night of my brother's murder?”
There was a tense silence in the room as the words hung in the air, awaiting an answer that could change the course of events.
***
YEARS AGO...
Angelo Messina was at the Amorielle family mansion, immersed in Antonietta Amorielle's celebration, Vittorio Amorielle's mother. The festive atmosphere contrasted with the tension that would soon grip Messina. His phone vibrated discreetly in his pocket, and upon answering, Moira, his informant in Detroit, revealed crucial information: Tommaso was moving against Vittorio.
“Thank you, Moira,” Messina replied, about to inform Vittorio about the imminent threat. However, his phone rang again, displaying the familiar Russian number.
Messina answered, speaking in Russian. “Chego ty khochesh', Sergey?”
Sergei, on the other end of the line, initiated the conversation with a touch of sarcasm. “Maybe you've already heard the news, Messina.”
The Italian leader agreed, “If the gossip you came to tell me is about Tommaso plotting against Vittorio, you're late.”
Sergei suggested from the other end, “Perhaps you're not entirely up to date. Tommaso's revenge was not solely against Vittorio but also against you, Messina.”
A sardonic laugh escaped Messina. “Tommaso is too resentful. He wants revenge just because he took a bullet in the hand and was sent to Detroit. He needs to understand that our world is cruel.”
“Yes, yes, I understand perfectly what you're saying,” Sergei concurred, but his tone indicated there was more to be said. “However, Tommaso and Jacomo are my cousins, and as you know, family always comes first. So, our men kidnapped Matthew, your son.”
Irritation took hold of Messina. “That's too bold.”
Sergei, with icy calmness, reminded Messina of the ruthless nature of their world. “Understand, Messina. Our world is cruel. I believe you're adult enough to grasp that.”
Irritation took hold of Messina. “What do you want, Sergei?”
“You know our family likes to do business with you. And considering this incredible partnership, I have a proposition for you,” Sergei, unperturbed, offered a cruel choice: “You must choose between Matthew and Vittorio to live. I know it seems an impossible decision, but in our world, such choices are routine.”
“Matthew,” Messina replied without hesitation.
Sergei smiled. “It's always good doing business with you, Messina.”
The call ended, and in the next moment, Antonietta appeared.
With a mocking smile, she asked, “Are you having trouble in paradise?”
Messina ignored the taunt and asked where Vittorio was.
“I don't know,” Antonietta said. “And even if I did, I wouldn't tell you.”
Messina looked at Antonietta seriously. “You better tell me,” he said. “Your son is in danger.”
Antonietta stared at Messina, alarmed. “What do you mean?” she asked.
“Tommaso,” Messina said. “He wants to kill him.”
Antonietta felt her heart start beating faster. “When did he decide that?” she asked.
“Today,” Messina said. “He's already sent his men out.”
Antonietta didn't know what to say. She didn't want to believe that Vittorio was in danger, but she knew Messina was serious.
“What should I do?” she asked.
“Find Vittorio, Antonietta,” Messina said. “I'll mobilize my men.”
Antonietta nodded. “I'll find him,” she said.
Messina turned and left, leaving Antonietta with her heart still beating fast. She knew she needed to find Vittorio as soon as possible. He was in danger, and she needed to save him.