"Alexei handles international expansion. If we convince him, we convince the family." Enzo pulled out his phone, showed her a dossier. "He's thirty-two. Educated at Oxford. Speaks six languages. Ruthless but progressive.....wants to modernize the family business."
Isabella scrolled through the information, her mind already calculating angles, leverage points, potential risks.
"If we align with the Volkovs, we'll have access to their Eastern European networks. Weapons. Trafficking routes. Money laundering infrastructure." She looked up. "But we'll also paint a target on our backs. Antonio and Lorenzo will see this as betrayal."
"They already see us as disappointments," Enzo said. "At least this way, we're disappointing them on our own terms."
She laughed. sharp and bitter. "Fair point."
They stood in companionable silence, watching the city wake up below them.
"Can I ask you something?" Enzo said finally.
"Of course."
