Luca’s Pov
A few hours earlier…
The café Rico and I sat in was a far cry from the lavish halls of the Claudia estate. Its faded walls and the lingering scent of burnt coffee beans made it the perfect place for a discreet meeting. We had chosen a corner table, away from prying eyes, but even here, I kept my senses sharp.
“So,” Rico began, stirring his espresso with a lazy motion, “the pieces are in place. You’re officially Matteo Greco to them now. The Claudia empire thinks you’re just another loyal picciotto ready to do their bidding.”
I nodded, though my mind was already working several steps ahead. “It’s one thing to get in, Rico. It’s another to stay undetected. They’ll test me, see if I crack under pressure. One slip, and it’s all over.”
Rico leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Y
