Chapter 82

As the minutes went by they felt like they stretched on forever. We navigated through a maze of hidden streets that felt like the intricate pathways of a secret world I was about to enter.

With every bump and jolt in the road my mind raced constantly reshaping the words I hoped would give me the strength and influence I so desperately wanted.

At last, the car came to an abrupt stop causing my body to jolt slightly. I steadied myself as I felt strong rough hands grab hold of me and pull me out of the vehicle directing me forward as I stumbled a bit. As I stepped out a sudden rush of various smells hit me all at once—there was a sharp acrid scent of smoke mixed with a faint lingering hint of whiskey creating an overwhelming blend that invaded my senses.

It became clear to me that this was not merely a simple meeting instead it felt like I was being thrown into a stark and intense introduction to a darker side of power and influence something I had not fully anticipated. As I was led inside I could feel the palpable energy of nervousness and anxiety all around me almost like a force that was pushing in from all sides.

There was an unmistakable electric charge in the air that made the atmosphere feel charged and tense. Despite that, I tried to hold on to my sense of calm. I reminded myself to focus on the task that lay ahead and did my best to push aside the fluttery feeling of nerves that was twisting in my stomach.

“Open your eyes” Hector ordered with a sense of urgency. I could feel the blindfold being swiftly removed from my face. I blinked my eyes rapidly as I tried to adjust to the low light in the room. My heart was pounding fast as I took in the scene that was unfolding right in front of me.

Bright neon lights filled the space splashing vivid colors across the faces of several men who were sitting around a large table. This scene felt like a striking picture that showcased a mix of power and a sense of danger. Sitting at the head of the table was Don Giacomo Bellotti a man who truly embodied authority. He lounged back comfortably in a tailored tuxedo that seemed to drink in the light around him.

A thick cigar was held between his lips and the smoke billowed around him swirling in the air like a protective barrier. This smoke only added to the menacing vibe that surrounded him enhancing the feeling of danger that was palpable in the room.

“What is happening here?” Bellotti spoke in a deep and powerful voice that echoed in the air around him. It was very obvious to everyone that he was someone who should not be taken lightly or played around with.

Hector took a step closer to me and raised his hand motioning toward me like I was a trophy he had just won in a competition. He said “Don let me introduce you to Iris. She says she has a plan for how to handle Don Campani.”

As soon as he said that I felt the seriousness of his words pressing down on me. It was clear that Hector was putting me front and center and I realized that it was my moment to prove myself and show what I could do.

Bellotti was looking at me very intensely as if he was trying to see right through me. The atmosphere in the room became heavier almost like it had weight that pressed down on us. He then asked me a question that made my heart race “What exactly makes you believe that I care at all about your plan?” His voice was filled with doubt and I could sense that he was not convinced by what I was saying.

“Here’s the reason why I think it’s really important for us to work together against Campani. Doing this as a united group will be better for your business” I said looking him directly in the eyes. I tried to bring forth all the confidence I could find within myself.

I could sense that everyone in the room was watching me closely their eyes full of anticipation and pressure. “If we don’t take action right now we might lose everything we’ve worked for. I have the skills and knowledge to help you directly impact and undermine his operations.” The words came out smoothly from my mouth empowered by how true and important I felt they were.

Bellotti with great care and intention inhaled slowly from his cigar taking his time. He was looking at me closely trying to evaluate just how valuable I was. Each second felt incredibly long like they were stretching out forever as I stood there trying to stay calm. However, I could feel the tension in the room rising and it was getting worse almost unbearable.

Out of nowhere, Bellotti made a signal to one of his men. Before I even had the chance to blink the man had drawn a gun and pointed it right at my head. My breath caught in my throat and I could feel the cold metal of the gun pressed against my skin. It sent a jolt of fear deep within me bringing out an intense reaction that I couldn’t control.

“Stop!” Hector shouted and his voice echoed through the tense atmosphere of the room. However, Bellotti simply raised his hand to quiet him showing that he was not going to pay attention to Hector at that moment. His eyes remained fixed on me and it was clear that he was focused on what was happening with me.

I noticed that the temperature in the room changed a little bit suggesting that there was a shift in feelings. There was a sense of curiosity in Bellotti’s expression which seemed to lessen the suspicion he had been showing before.

“Why should I trust you and think that you are not a spy? You might be giving us information that isn't true on purpose.” His voice was very calm but there was something dangerous about it and I could sense his doubts. It felt like a heavy storm cloud hanging over us ready to burst and cause trouble at any moment.

“For the sake of everything you hold dear can you please just take a moment to listen to me?” I said sharply my voice firm and strong even though I was aware of a dangerous threat hanging just inches away from my head.

“I’m serious about this. I would never waste your time with something unimportant.” I could feel my heart racing the adrenaline rushing through my body every single thing depended on what happened in this crucial moment…