Here is the next chapter of the book. English is not my first language so please ignore the grammatical mistakes. Let's continue.

Car rolled smoothly at the front gate of De Luca's estate. Alessandro stepped down from the car and was already moving inside the mansion with Dante beside him. ''Bellini'' he muttered angrily, his voice low but sharp enough to cut through the silence ''This must be him. His courage is increasing a lot.''

Dante didn't say anything just continued to walk beside him. Matteo appeared from the other end; he too got the news of what happened. His expression was serious as he approached them ''We will have to do something before he does something else that causes us a lot of damage.'' he said. ''What happened to that man who had entered our dock?''

Alessandro gave him a look and Matteo immediately understood what must have happened. A brief flicker of irritation passed across his face, ''Did that man tell who had sent him?'' Matteo asked again and this time Dante replied ''No.''

Matteo sighed. All three men moved across the hallway towards the study room; their footsteps echoed against the polished marble floor.

Alessandro reached the door first and opened it with full force, slamming the door against the wall with sharp crack that echoed in the silent room. The room seemed too small to contain the storm brewing inside him. The scent of power and control hung in the air which always gives satisfaction to him, but this time it did nothing to calm his temper.

He stepped in loosening his tie with a rough pull, his jaw clenched tightly that muscle ticked along his cheek. Dante and Matteo followed closely behind him, closing the door behind them with far more restrain than Alessandro shown. No one spoke anything.

Alessandro walked straight to the desk, placing his both hands on the polished surface. His head hung slightly, hair strands fall over his forehead as he exhaled slowly, but the calm was forced and fragile.

''Bellini...'' he said again, this time more dangerously. ''He is getting too bold for my liking.'' Matteo leaned against one of the armchairs, crossing his arms. He knew his brother too well. Generally, Alessandro is calm and composed but when he losses he turns too aggressive till he calms himself down.

But unlike Alessandro, his anger is quieter, colder and more calculating in situations like this. ''Not bold but blind in power that he can't see who he is picking fight with,'' he said ''And blind men make mistakes,'' he continued ''we just have to figure out which mistake he is going to do next.''

Dante stood near the wall, his posture straight, eyes like always, assisting. He has already taken off his jacket and sleeves rolled up as if all ready to prepare for the war. ''This wasn't just a warning, he said ''Planting explosive in one of our docks, that's a big step.''

Alessandro let out a humorless chuckle. ''Big step?'' He straightened abruptly and turned to face them. ''He sent a man to destroy one of our main routes. If that explosion had happened, we would have lost millions, if not more.''

''And reputation,'' Matteo added ''Everyone would start wondering if we can even hold our own ground or not, whether we can protect our own territory or not. Everything we have built, years of fear and control would have collapsed in one moment.''

Silence settled again, this time heavier than before. Alessandro moved around the desk, pouring himself a drink. The amber liquid sloshed slightly in the glass before he gulped it down in one go. He didn't bother savouring it.

''He really didn't talk?'' Matteo asked again, looking directly at Alessandro.

''No, he didn't.'' Alessandro said after a moment, his voice quieter now but intense.

Matteo raised a brow ''Or you didn't let him?'' Alessandro's gaze snapped to him. For a second there was tension, but Matteo didn't flinch. He knew his brother too well.

Dante intervened before it could move further. ''Capo asked him, but he was trained,'' he said ''He did not say a word about the person who assigned him for this.'' he said half-truth.

''That's convenient,'' Matteo muttered.

''It's expected,'' Dante corrected him calmly. ''Bellini would never send someone who could be traced back to him easily.''

Alessandro set the empty glass down with a hard clink. ''I don't need him to confess,'' he said ''I already know who is behind it.''

''Knowing and proving are two different things,'' Matteo cut in ''If we move without proof, it will turn into war.''

Alessandro's lips curved into a cold smile. ''Maybe that's exactly what he wants.''

''Or.... what you want,'' Matteo shot back. The words hung in the air. Dante shifted slightly, watching both brothers carefully. He had seen this before, clash between Alessandro's fury and Matteo's strategic patience.

''We don't have to start a full-scale war right now,'' Matteo continued, his tone firm but controlled. ''Not when Russian deal is in progress.''

''So, we will sit back and wait for him to move again?'' Dante asked not understanding the consiglieri's motive.

Alessandro ran a hand through his hair, his expression sharpened as he moved ''No'' he replied in place of Matteo ''We make him think he succeeded.''

''Exactly,'' Matteo started, he uncrossed his arms and pushed himself off the chair, as he paced. His expression matched with Alessandro's, the strategist fully in control now. ''We will let the news spread,'' he said ''Not about the bomb but about instability. Delays at the dock, minor disruptions. Nothing too big, just enough for enemy to celebrate.''

Alessandro tuned his head towards his brother as he frowned ''But that will make us look weak'' 

''I want him to believe he shook us,'' Matteo corrected ''Men like Bellini celebrate too fast, they thrive on control. If he thinks he is getting inside your head, he will push further.''

Dante nodded slightly, getting his point ''And when he does....''

''He will make mistakes,'' Alessandro completed his words ''And that's when we will get hold on him.'' Both men nodded their head.

Alessandro walked back to the desk, this time calmer and more focused. The initial burst of anger had settled into something cold, something dangerous. ''Increase security at all docks,'' he continued ''Double patrols, no one gets in or out without being checked twice.''

''But Capo, it will slow operations,'' Dante pointed out.

''I don't care,'' Alessandro snapped. Then after a moment, he added calmly ''We will manage the fallouts.''

He poured himself another drink, this time slowly. He added the ice cubes, ice clinked against the glass as he swirled it, watching the cubes disappear. ''He crossed the line,'' he said finally. He took a slow sip, then set the glass down again. ''He came into my territory,'' he continued ''he tried to destroy my business.''

He walked to the window, looking out over the vast estate. His reflection stared back at him in glass, expression unreadable. ''Let him think he is winning.'' he turned leaning his back against the window ledge ''We will play his game but now, the rule will be ours.'' 

Next morning at Ospedale San Caterina-

Morning light spilled through the tall glass window illuminating the room in golden light. Residence quarter's corridors were quiet and calm that contrasted with the chaos five friends had faced few hours back. Ruchika stirred as the brightness reached her. 

She blinked against the light, lifting her hand to shield her eyes before letting out a soft yawn. She rubbed her eyes and looked around. She lay there for a moment staring at the ceiling, her mind went back to yesterday night's event.

She remembered how they wandered for few hours in those abundant streets, fortunately they found a man, and he led them back to the main road. She exhaled slowly pushing her thoughts aside. ''Whatever happened, forget it. It's good that now we are back'' she murmured to herself sitting up. 

She went to bathroom, finished her morning chores and came outside after taking a bath. She wore a pastel pink sleeveless, fitted top with high-waisted blue jeans. She tied her hair in a ponytail and then stepped out of the room. The corridor was busy with staffs moving towards the hospital wings.

She looked around and found Divyansh and Arnav were already there, leaning casually against a pillar surfing something in their phone. She walked to them ''Good morning'' she wished with a small smile.

Both looked up from their screen ''Morning!!'' they wished back putting their respective phone in their pocket.

''Where is Ritika and Samrat?'' Ruchika asked them not finding him there.

As if on cue Samrat stormed into the corridor, running his hand through his messy hair. He was clearly still annoyed. He stopped in front of the group and pointed an accusing finger at Divyansh then at other two. ''You all, this happened because of you guys.'' he said, his voice rose ''How can you guys act normal after that?"

''Here we go'' Divyansh muttered under his breath, crossing his arms.

''Yes, here we go'' he snapped at him then he paced around, little bit. ''We are in completely new country, first night and instead of coming back like sensible person you all decided.... oh, let's explore the streets with no phone, no idea of where we are heading.''

Ruchika pressed her lips together trying hard, not to smile. It's not like he is wrong, yes for a moment she too got scared last night but umm it's ok, it happens. Isn't it?

''Come on, raat gayi baat gayi'' Arnav said unbothered ''Beside we came back safely, right.''

''Safely?'' he retorted ''We could have got lost in this city forever.'' and Ruchika finally let out a small laugh, unable to hold it anymore. The tension that had lingered since last night began to dissolve.

''Forever is too much, Samrat'' she said laughingly.

Samrat turned to her, his eyes widened ''Ru!! Don't laugh you were the one who pointed at the street saying, 'this is the right way' and later said 'we took the wrong way!' Do you know what that means!!''

''It means I have good instincts.'' she pressed her lips together.

''No'' he said loudly ''It means you have zero sense of direction. I am never going on trek or for an outing with you guys ever.''

At that moment Ritika appeared from her room, walking towards them with a bright grin but still half asleep. ''Good morning'' she said to everyone then hugged Ruchika and rested her head on her shoulder for a moment, still feeling tired from last night adventure. Ruchika chuckled against her hair hugging her back.

Ritika distanced herself from her and looked at the other member passing a bright smile to Arnav. ''So did I miss it or the argument just started?'' she raised her brow asking to no one particular.

''You are in halfway, Samrat just now came'' Divyansh replied earning a glare from Samrat while other friends laughed.

Ritika sat on the bench placed near the pillar ''Honestly, I still can't believe.... we came back safely.'' Everyone nodded their head except Samrat.

''All thanks to that person who helped us.'' Samrat remarked.

''Wahi na'' Arnav started ''Like we trusted a random stranger in the middle of the night.'' Samrat blinked, his frustration momentarily replaced by realisation 

''Yes, this is true'' he said with shocked voice ''Imagine what if that guy was some bad person, a kidnapper or worst murderer. Mai to kal marne hi wala tha''

Divyansh laughed ''You went too far, Samrat.'' he said shaking his head ''Raasta kho jaane se koi mar nahi jaata hai.'' Other three bobbed their head agreeing to him while he glared at everyone.

''Sach me?'' he asked with sarcasm laced voice ''Are nalayako us sunsaan raaste pe socho agar koi hame maar deta toh!!! Kisi ko pata bhi nahi chal pata hamare baare me.''

Everyone started at him without blinking their eyes then burst out in laugh. ''Ser...seriosuly!!!'' Ruchika said in between her laugh ''Samrat waha koi dikh raha tha tumhe? Jo hame maar deta?''

''Are toh ho sakta hai koi mil jaata jo waisa ho'' he defended himself ''We were lucky to find a good man.''

''Ok baba. We will not pull that stunt again, now happy?" Arnav asked looking at him with brows raised. Samrat gave him a side eyed look but there was a faint smile on his lips making other friends smile as well.

''Yes, we should not give heart attack to our poor friend.'' Ritika replied immediately. The group burst into laughter, the sound echoed lightly through the corridor. The tension from the previous night dissolved into lighter and familiar moment.

De Luca Estate-

Alessandro stood on the balcony of his room, dressed in a black pants and a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearm, top two button were undone. He was reading a file with utter concentration when a knock came from the door.

He didn't turn, ''Yes?'' he asked. The maid informed him about the breakfast, and he just simply said he will come in few minutes.

Outside in the hallway Dante was walking along the hallway with his phone pressed to his ear ''Yes. Take care of it.'' and he ended the call.

From opposite side Sofia was coming with files in her hand her gazed landed to him and she frowned, as he walks past her, she turned and stopped him ''Wait,''

He stilled; she turned him around by his shoulder ''Your collar'' she pointed at his collar which was not fixed. She motioned him to hold her file which he did subconsciously, still looking at her. Her fingers reached up to fix it before he could respond. 

Her hands barely touched his skin, but the slight contact was enough for him to freeze him at his place. She leans in slightly to him adjusting it making his breath hitch and heart raced. Then she steps back, even before he could process what just happened.

She took her file and walked away from there, but he doesn't move, he was rooted there. Then after few seconds he let out a deep exhale, shaking his head and continued walking.

Alessandro came out of his room and spotted Dante. He walked to him ''Updates?'' he asked in sharp tone.

''Everything is going smoothly.'' Dante replied but his mind was still lingered to the touch ''Security has been increased.'' Alessandro nodded and they both continued to walk to the dining room.

When they entered Matteo was already present there. Sofia has a case to deal with, and Elena too had some work. Both men took their respective seats, and the staffs served them breakfast.

They ate breakfast in silence. After sometimes, Matteo broke it ''I will try to find out more about his movements.'' he said already on his feet, as he walked out of the dining hall.

Alessandro nodded his head and continued eating in silence. Dante's phone rang, he took a glance at the screen ''I have to take this.'' he muttered, already stepping away from the table.

Alessandro finished his breakfast and rose from the table. He checked the time, then walked out. By the time he reached the front door, car was already waiting. The driver stepped forwards and opened the door for him. Alessandro sild into the back seat, adjusting his coat. Moments later the door closed and the car pulled away.

The glass door slipped as Alessandro stepped inside. A few hurried greetings followed him as he moved towards the elevator. The door parted with soft chime and he entered. When it reached the floor, the door opened and he strode out without hesitation, mind already focused on the work ahead.

Inside the cabin he took off his jacket and sat on the couch flipping his laptop open. Emails flooded on the screen and he got busy in his work scanning, reading, typing. After few hours of working he placed his laptop aside to take a short break. He leaned his back against the couch and closed his eyes that's when his phone rang and he received the call.

As soon as he heard the voice on the other end his expression shifted, eyes turned cold ''I will be there soon. Get whatever information you can till then.'' he said, his tone was low.

He ended the call. He was already on his feet; in one swift motion he grabbed his jacket from the couch shrugging it on as he moved.

The room felt colder than it should have not because of the temperature but because of the silence. A man, Carlo Bianchi was tied to a chair in the centre of the room. His wrists are bound behind his back against the headrest of chair, thin line of blood running along the side of his forehead and at the corner of his lips. His breathing was uneven and his eyes flickering up at every small sound.

A guard grabbed his jaw making the man look up at him ''I am asking something'' he said angrily but the man just gave a low chuckle.

Minutes later door creaked open and two men entered first, followed by Alessandro. He didn't rush; his steps were precise then his gaze settled on the captive. ''So,'' he said, removing his gloves slowly ''You are Bellini's man.''

Carlo lifted his head to meet his eyes; anger flickered through it ''You are making a mistake.''

''Am i?'' he asked, pulling a chair for himself and sat across from him, crossing one leg over the other. He didn't bother for him to reply when he asked again ''What's your name?''

Carlo turned his face away, clearly not interested in answering him back, his jaw tightened. Alessandro watched him for a moment, then exhaled softly. ''Loyal'' he murmured. ''Either you are very brave...'' he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees ''... or afraid of disappointing the wrong people.''

The man smirked faintly ''Does it matter?''

A soft chuckle escaped from Alessandro's mouth ''Ok. Fair enough.'' He leaned back on the chair folding his hand ''Let's not go personal. We will talk like professional men.'' A guard handed him a file.

Carlo swallowed, his throat dry ''I've already told your man everything,'' he said forcing the words out steadily ''there's nothing else I can give you.''

He got no response. Alessandro did not even look at him, instead he opened the file. the soft shifting of paper felt unnaturally loud in the silent room. Carlo shifted slightly on his seat, the movement small yet restless.

''I didn't lie,'' he added quickly, his voice tightening at the edges ''you can check-''

Alessandro still not looked at him, he simply raised his hand, just slightly not aggressive or fast, silencing the man. Carlo's voice cut off instantly. His lips parted as if he wants to say something more but stopped.

Alessandro slowly tuned the page, then another reading the information in the file. Then he finally looked up and when his eyes met Carlo's, Carlo froze. There was no visible threat in Alessandro's eyes, no rage, no cruelty just focused and sharp.

''Your name is Carlo Bianchi'' Alessandro said calmy then added further ''You work for Lorenzo Bellini from last seven years'' He received no response from Carlo he just smirked.

''You manage shipment logistic through southern ports!!'' he said calmly ''Offloading at irregular hours to avoid making patterns.'' Then his eyes sharpened ''But from recent weeks, shipments are arriving cleaner and quicker.''

Carlo's smirked faded just for a moment before he composed himself back. But Alessandro was fast enough to catch it. He noticed the sudden shift in his demeanor. ''Which means Bellini changed something,'' he continued ''Now you tell me what is it? New route? New clearance? Or a new friend?''

But Carlo remained silent, he did not utter a single word out of his mouth making Alessandro grit his teeth in anger. His patience was on the verge of losing its control. One of the guards came forward and grabbed his hair roughly, yanking his face up but Alessandro raised his hand and the man immediately stopped taking a step back.

Keeping the file aside he stood up, walking up to him he placed his hands on the armrests and leaned slightly towards Carlo making him move back pressing his back against the headrest.

 ''You see, this is the part where people usually misunderstand,'' he said quietly ''They think pain makes you talk.'' he took a brief pause then continued again ''But it doesn't. It just makes you stubborn.'' 

Carlo looked at him. Alessandro started again, his voice dropped ''But fear...'' he said ''fear makes you honest.''

Carlo swallowed, trying to hold himself ''I don't know anything more, now.''

 Alessandro smiled faintly ''I know.'' he straightened himself, walking past Carlo then stopped right behind the chair ''You're not important enough to know everything,'' he said. ''Bellini doesn't trust men like you to share each and every important thing about his business.'' 

The words hit harder to Carlo and his jaw tightened. ''But you do know something,'' Alessandro continued. ''Any small details. Dock numbers, timing changes, new faces anything.'' He placed a hand lightly on the back of the chair. ''And you are going to tell me about it.''

Carlo let out a shaky breath ''And why would I do that?'' 

Alessandro moved back to the front ''Because Bellini won't come here to save you.'' he said simply. ''He has already replaced you the moment your disappearance news came into the light.''

That was the moment Carlo's breathing grew uneven, Alessandro smirked noticing his movement. ''Why would i believe you? It must be your trick.'' he said desperately.

A guard stepped forward and placed a phone Infront of him, screen was already on. There was the video footage of Bellini's southern port, the one he was the in charge. Works were going on with full swing without his presence and then he noticed an unfamiliar person, the one Bellini must have hired after his disappearance.

''You know what this means?'' Alessandro asked casually ''It means you are already dead for him.'' Carlo started to tremble; he was sweating profusely. Fear clearly evident in his eyes.

''Whether you stay here or go outside, you are going to die either way,'' he said ''If you stay quiet, i will kill you and if you step outside Bellini will kill you. How about you become useful to me, tell me what changed. Who knows I might even let you go.''

Carlo looked at him ''You will let me go? And even my safety?'' he asked with hopeful eyes.

''Yes'' his reply was colder. 

Carlo looked here and there still unsure but then he nodded giving up to his stubbornness ''What do you want to know?'' he muttered.

''Everything. Whatever you know''

The man was breathing hard now as words spilled over each other in desperation ''...routes change every week,'' he said quickly ''But the main consignments, they move it through the outer yards' different entry points, there is no fixed pattern for it. He even rotates the crew members, no one knows everything. I swear...''

Alessandro said nothing he just stood there listening to whatever Carlo is saying. He needs to verify these details.

''There is a record,'' Carlo added ''It's not digital, he keeps a physical copy. Only few people knows where it is, but i have seen it once.''

''Where?'' Alessandro asked.

''In his office,'' the man said immediately ''Hidden behind the panel near the bar cabinet at the right side of it.''

''What does it contain?'' Alessandro asked again.

''Records about his each and every shipment, crew members details, about his enemies and alleys,'' Carlo said ''In short everything.''

Alessandro did not say anything he just nodded his head. Even that motion brought a wave of relief in Carlo. His shoulder dropped, a shaky breath escaped his lips that he has been holding from so long. ''I told you everything,'' he said ''Everything I knew.''

Alessandro studied him for a moment longer than he gestured a guard to untie him. Guard moved forwards and cut the rope freeing him. Carlo winced as blood rushed back to his wrists; he rubbed it to ease the pain. Then looked up with disbelief and uncertainty ''Are you really letting me go?" he asked.

Alessandro picked up his gloves sliding it slowly. ''I said, i would'' he replied.

For a second Carlo almost smiled ''Thank you'' he said with unsteady voice ''I... i will never forget this. I swea...'' A gunshot echoed through the room and Carlo froze, then collapsed on ground.

One of the guards shifted slightly glancing at Alessandro ''He told us everything.''

Alessandro did not look at the body. ''He told us enough,'' he said calmly adjusting his cuff. ''If he could betray Bellini,'' he continued his voice was even ''a man he served for years....'' then he paused ''...what reason I have to believe he wouldn't betray me?''

No one answered. Alessandro finally turned walking towards the door ''Dispose him.'' he said and went out.

******************************

End of the chapter.

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