Carlos's jaw tightened slightly "And if you go alone, sir, you become the highest-risk target in an environment we do not fully understand."
Matteo nodded once "Correct" The calmness of that response unsettled Carlos more than anything else.
"Then why take that risk?" Carlos asked, unable to fully hold back the question this time.
Matteo leaned back again, his expression returning to that composed stillness that often masked the intensity beneath "Because," he said quietly, "they are expecting me to avoid it."
Carlos blinked once, caught off guard by the simplicity of the answer.
Matteo continued, his tone steady. "They expect caution, they expect hesitation, you know tey expect me to adjust in ways that preserve safety." He paused briefly "What they do not expect… is for
