CHAPTER 12 — THE CHOICE THAT ENDED EVERYTHING
The meeting was held in a place without loyalty.
Neutral ground.
An old council hall that had once hosted negotiations between men who believed power was eternal. The stone walls were worn smooth by time, their age a reminder that empires rose and fell no matter how tightly men tried to hold them.
Amara walked beside Alessandro through the arched entrance, her steps measured, her posture calm.
Inside, three representatives of the De Luca syndicate were already seated at the long table.
They stood when Alessandro entered.
None of them acknowledged Amara at first.
That was intentional.
“So,” the man at the center said at last, folding his hands. “You’ve finally decided to talk.”
Alessandro’s voice was controlled. “This conflict has gone
