Alessia Mancini
The air in the office grew thick with tension. I could almost taste the impending clash of wills on my tongue, metallic and sharp. Whatever Vitale said next would be crucial.
Vitale's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Unreliable? My dear, I prefer to think of it as... adaptable." She reached for her glass of water, taking a delicate sip before continuing. "The landscape of our world is changing, and those who don't evolve will be left behind."
I felt a flicker of irritation at her condescending tone, but kept my face impassive. Giovanni's thumb traced small circles on my palm, a silent reminder of our united front.
"And your idea of evolution involves betrayal and violence?" I asked, my voice laced with false innocence. "How innovative."
Vitale's sm
