TWENTY NINE

Lucas knew he had to handle Mateo and Giovanni in a way that would send a message, not just of fear but of strategic brilliance.

As he sat in his study, he already sent for Vincent, Vincent stood beside Lucas.

“Vincent.” He called out, his voice cold and demanding. “We need to handle Mateo and Giovanni. Make sure it's done quietly , but in a way everyone understands.”

Vincent nooded, understanding the gravity of the task. “Understood.”

That evening Vincent arranged a meeting with Mateo and Giovanni , under the pretense of discussing a new operation.

Mateo and Giovanni arrived, exchanging wary glances . They sensed something was off but had no choice but to proceed.

Vincent greeted them with a calm demeanor, “Gentlemen, thank you for coming. We have some important matters to discuss.”

As they followed Vincent , Vincent laid them into the cellar, where Lucas awaited, his presence imposing and cold.

The cellar was dark and damp, a start contrast to the opulence of the rest of Lucas' mansion. The room was illuminated by a single, flickering light bulb hanging from the ceiling. Various tools of torture lined the walls, a grim reminder of what awaited those who crossed Lucas Moretti.

Lucas stood up, his expression unreadable, “Mateo, Giovanni , we need to talk.”

Mateo tried to mask his anxiety. “Of course, Boss, what's this about?”

Lucas didn't waste any time . He pulled out his phone and played the recording Olivia had captured. The room filled with their own damning words, sealing their fate.

Mateo’s face went pale and Giovanni’s eyes widened with fear, “Boss, it's not what it sounds like”, Giovanni stammered.

Lucas raised a hand to silence him, “Enough.”

Vincent stepped forward, his presence menacing. “You should have known better.”

With a nod from Lucas, Vincent moved swifly. He grabbed Giovanni first, dragging him to a chair and tying him down with practiced ease. Giovanni struggled, but Vincent’s grip was ironclad.

Mateo tried to run, cause he knew Lucas would never spare their lives, but two of Lucas's guards blocked his path. They forced him into another chair, securing him tightly. The fear in their eyes were palpable.

Vincent produced a set of tools, laying them out on the table with deliberate precision. The sight alone was enough to make Giovanni and Maeto tremble.

“We need to send a message,” Lucas whispered, his voice barely above a whisper, “To everyone that thinks they can cross me.”

Vincent approached Giovanni, “Let's start with you.”

Giovanni screamed as Vincent placed a hot metal on his back, Giovanni screamed, his sound echoing in the room. Lucas watched, his expression impassive.

After what felt like eternity, Giovanni's scream ceased, leaving only ragged breathing. Vincent moved to Maeto, who begged him for mercy, his pleas falling on deaf ears.

After torturing Mateo, Vincent tied Maeto and Vincent hands hanging on the walls with chains. Their faces bruised and bloodied from the torture. The two men exchanged terrified glances, knowing their fate rested in Lucas' hands.

Vincent glanced at Lucas who gave him a curt nod to continue the torture. Vincent moved to Giovanni , gripping his hand that is secured with the chains, slowly bending back his fingers until they snapped, Giovanni screamed in pains, echoing off the walls.

“Please” Giovanni begged, tears streaming down his face. “I made a mistake, give me another chance.”

Lucas remained impassive. “You’ll get your chance, but first , you must suffer for your betrayal.”

Vincent continued his work, moving from one hand to another, breaking each finger with methodical precision . The pain was excruciating , and Giovanni's cries grew weaker as he slipped in and out of consciousness.

Next, Vincent turned to Mateo. He pulled out a scalpel and made shallow cuts along Mateo's arms and legs , the blade slicing through his flesh with ease. Blood trickled down, pooling on the floor beneath him.

Mateo's voice trembled with fear, “Please, Boss, I swear I won't betray you again.”

Lucas’s eyes narrowed, “You should have thought about that before deciding to turn against me.”

The torture continued for what felt like eternity. Vincent using different tools to inflict pain in them: pliers, scalpels and even a blowtorch to sear their skin.

The room was filled with burning flesh and the sound of anguish scream.

Finally , when both men were barely conscious, Lucas stepped forward. He crouched down to their level , his face inches from theirs. “You think this is the end?” He asked, his voice soft but menacing, “No. This is just the beginning.”

Mateo and Giovanni's eyes widened with terror. They had expected to be killed, but Lucas had something else in mind. “I’m giving you a choice,” he continued. “It’s either you work or you die.”

The two men exchanged confused glanced, “Work for you?” Mateo croaked.

“Yes,” Lucas said, a cruel smile forming on his lips. “You will infiltrate Marco's organization and gather information for me. Every details, every plans, you’ll be my eyes and ears.”

“We’ll do it,” Mateo whispered, tears streaming his face, “We’ll get the information. “Just spare our lives please.”

Giovanni's voice trembled, “We can't refuse you boss, we will do anything.”

Lucas' smile vanished, “Just in case you try to play games, then you die. Slowly, Painfully. And I will make your families suffer too.”

The threat hung heavy in the air, the two men knew they had no choice, “We’ll do it,” Mateo whispered , tears streaming down his face. “We’ll get you the informations you need.”

“Good,” Lucas said, standing up. “Vincent, patch them up. Make sure they can move, they have work to do.” with that Lucas walked out of the cellar.

After Vincent tended their wounds, Mateo and Giovanni were released from their chains. Their bodies were broken, but their spirits were shattered even more. They knew they had no choice but to comply with Lucas’ demands.

…….🌵

Later that night, Olivia paced nervously in her room. She wandered the mansion, her mind racing with events of the day . She had uncovered a major betrayal , but the danger was far from over.

The library seemed like a good place to start, perhaps a good documentary could help her calm her nerves. She wrapped a robe around herself and tiptoed down the hall.

As she reached the library door, she hesitated for a moment before pushing it open. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light, coming from a small lamp on one side of the table..

Olivia moved quietly towards the shelves, scanning the titles for something that might interest her, suddenly a voice broke the silence. “Couldn't sleep?”

She heard Lucas' voice, She turned in shock towards the direction. She met Lucas sitting in a leather arm chair , with a book in his hand, He looked up at her, amusement in his eyes.

“Lucas,” She breathed, trying to steady her nerves, “You scared me.”

“Sorry.” He said, closing his book and setting it aside, “I didn't mean to.”

I wasn't expecting you here, at this time,” She said walking towards him, as she took a seat opposite him.

Lucas nodded, his gaze distant, “This is where I come , when I need to think.”

“There's too much on my mind ,” Olivia admitted.

“Everything is under control.” Lucas said, his gaze never leaving hers.

Olivia nodded, as she glanced through the book she picked. Olivia could feel Lucas gaze on her. There was silence in the air for a moment.

“Thank you, Olivia. For what you did today, You probably saved my life.”