123. Sofia is not your toy.

Salvatore.

Both Bruno and I had our doubts and suspicions about each other. Bruno believed that I may have acted on my jealousy of Elena and Deangelo's relationship and hired someone to harm Deangelo impulsively. On the other hand, I entertained similar suspicions about Bruno. The tension between us had become unbearable, and I could no longer endure the uncertainty. It was time to confront Bruno and seek answers. With a mix of apprehension and determination, I made my way to Bruno's residence. The atmosphere was charged with an underlying tension as I approached his grand estate.

Finally, I stood in front of the imposing entrance, feeling a surge of adrenaline that fueled my resolve. Regardless of the consequences, I needed to uncover the truth. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the heavy doors and entered Bruno's domain.

The interior exuded wealth and power, reflecting Bruno's status and influence. Each step I took brought me closer to the confrontation that had been brewing in my mind. The anticipation was palpable, like a storm waiting to break. My heart raced in my chest, reminding me of the high stakes involved.

At last, I found myself face to face with Bruno. His gaze pierced through me, revealing a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. The air around us crackled with unspoken words, the weight of our suspicions hanging heavy in the room.

As Bruno and I locked eyes, an unspoken exchange of scrutiny passed between us. In that moment, words felt unnecessary, as our eyes engaged in a silent battle to decipher each other's intentions. Suspicion hung in the air, creating an invisible barrier that begged to be broken.

The gravity of the situation pressed upon me, intensifying the urgency to uncover the truth. The game of evasion and hidden motives had become tiresome, and I was determined to cut through the web of deceit that ensnared us. With unwavering determination, I broke the silence.

"Did you try to harm Deangelo?" I asked, speaking plainly and directly. It was a straightforward question that pierced through the layers of deception, demanding an honest response.

For a moment, Bruno's face revealed surprise, but he quickly regained composure and firmly denied the accusation. "No, Salvatore. I had no involvement in that accident," he replied, his voice resolute and steady.

As I listened to his denial, a flicker of doubt crossed my mind. However, Bruno's response appeared genuine, devoid of the usual signs of deceit. Although suspicion still lingered within me, there was a part of me that inclined towards believing his words.

After Bruno and I reached a temporary understanding, acknowledging that neither of us had directly caused Deangelo's accident, a newfound opportunity emerged. We stood together, recognizing that the unfortunate incident had weakened the leadership of the Ferrari pack, leaving them vulnerable to the strategies of those with a more calculated mindset.

Just as I was about to leave, ready to put my plans into action, Bruno's voice cut through the air, demanding my attention. "Salvatore, stop toying with my toys," he said, his tone carrying a mix of warning and veiled threat.

I immediately understood what he meant. Bruno had seen through my calculated interactions with Sofia, realizing that she held the key to uncovering the secrets of the Ferrari pack. The revelation startled me, reminding me of the depth of his intelligence network. Annoyance briefly flashed across my face, but I quickly hid it behind a composed demeanor. It wasn't surprising that Bruno had knowledge of my private meeting with Sofia; his influence extended far beyond what most could comprehend. However, his disrespectful reference to her as a mere plaything, something to be manipulated, stung me deeply.

Taking a measured breath, I regained my composure and met Bruno's gaze directly. "Sofia is not your toy, Alpha," I retorted, my voice firm. "She is a valuable asset, a means to gather the information we need. Underestimating her would be a grave mistake."

A tense silence followed, our eyes locked in a silent battle of determination. I could sense Bruno's skepticism, his lingering doubt about Sofia's true loyalty. Nevertheless, I remained steadfast in my belief that she would prove crucial to our shared goals.

"You may have doubts, Alpha, but I assure you that Sofia is committed to our cause," I continued, my words filled with conviction. "She understands the risks involved, and her loyalty lies with us. We must utilize her skills wisely to take advantage of Deangelo's vulnerability."

Despite downplaying Sofia's importance, trying to appear nonchalant, it was clear that Bruno was unamused by my casual attitude. His tone turned sharper, reminding me of the hierarchy that governed our relationship. "Remember your place, Salvatore," he warned, his voice carrying a menacing undertone. "You are my second-in-command, and your loyalty to me is paramount if you want to stay alive."

His threat hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the consequences that awaited those who dared to defy him. I bowed my head in submission, outwardly showing the obedience he demanded. However, inside, a fire burned within me, fueled by a growing desire to assert my own authority, to break free from the chains that bound me to his command.

With a slight bow, I pretended to submit while concealing my true thoughts. Bruno's reminder of my subordinate position struck a chord, igniting a surge of resentment. Though I maintained a façade of compliance, deep down, I nurtured a burning desire to metaphorically stab Bruno in the back, freeing myself from his control.

As I left Bruno's presence, my mind raced with covert plans and hidden strategies. His threat only fueled my determination to undermine his power and rise to a position of authority that was rightfully mine. It was a delicate dance of deception and betrayal, requiring careful planning and unwavering determination.

In the solitude of my thoughts, I considered various paths to dismantle Bruno's dominance. I pondered alliances that could be formed, strings that could be pulled, and secrets that could be exploited. Each option came with its own risks and rewards, and I knew I had to tread cautiously, striking at the opportune moment when Bruno least expected it.

The thirst for revenge burned inside me, intensifying my ambition and propelling me further down the treacherous path I had chosen. I fully recognized the dangers that lay ahead, the risks involved in betraying a man as cunning and ruthless as Bruno. However, the allure of power, the taste of authority that beckoned from the shadows, proved irresistible.