Their footsteps echoed through the hallway, each step deliberate, heavy, and synchronized by tension rather than coordination, Carlos walked slightly ahead, his breathing tighter than usual, his mind already trying to anticipate what they would find.
"Sir…" he began quietly, but hesitated mid-sentence.
Matteo did not look at him, his eyes remained fixed forward, cold, focused, unshaken.
Carlos swallowed and continued anyway "If what we suspect is true… then" He stopped again, because even saying it out loud felt dangerous, Matteo finally spoke without turning.
"Then we confirm it." That was all, no emotion, no speculation, just conclusion... as they reached the study room, the door was slightly open and that detail alone made Carlos slow down.
"…Sir," he said carefully, hi
