~NICO~
The auction room was already half full by the time I returned from the side corridor with Enzo.
Men like the ones attending tonight rarely arrived early, but they always made sure they were present before anything important began. Power liked to watch power gather.
I scanned the room automatically as we walked in.
Old habit.
Security first, everything else second.
Two of my men were stationed near the main entrance, another pair near the rear exits. Adriano had men posted along the walls pretending to be regular staff. Even the waiters circulating with champagne were part of the security rotation.
No obvious threats.
No unusual movement.
No weapons where they were not supposed to be.
Enzo leaned slightly toward me as we walked down the aisle between tables. “The Russian de
