For the rest of the day, they planned. Enzo told them everything: Salvatore's hideout was a former military base in the valley below, surrounded by walls and guarded by dozens of men. He was planning to use Clara as leverage to take over the entire city's criminal underworld—her family had deep roots, and her name carried power.
"He's going to hold a meeting with the other bosses in three days," Enzo said. "He'll bring Clara there, force them to swear loyalty to him. If they refuse, he'll kill her."
"We need to get there before the meeting," Alessandro said, spreading a map of the valley on the table. "Isabella, you'll take the high ground—there's a ridge overlooking the base that's perfect for sniping. Enzo, you'll get us inside—you still have access to the base's security codes. Clara, you'll stay here with Rico—you're too valuable a target."
Clara shook her head, her jaw tight. "No," she said. "I'm not going to hide. Salvatore wants me—let me be the bait. I can distract him while you get into position."
Alessandro's eyes widened. "Absolutely not. It's too dangerous."
"I'm not helpless," she said, her voice firm. "I've been training with Isabella for the past three days. I know how to use a gun, how to defend myself. Let me help."
Isabella nodded. "She's good," she said. "Quick, smart—she could pull it off."
After a long, tense silence, Alessandro sighed. "Okay," he said. "But you do exactly what we tell you. No heroics."
Clara smiled. "Deal."
They spent the next two days preparing—cleaning weapons, checking supplies, going over the plan again and again. Enzo and Alessandro talked late into the night, repairing the bond that had been broken by betrayal. They spoke of their past, their hopes, their fears—and they promised each other that this time, they'd stand together, no matter what.