As soon as the clock on Leonardo’s desk ticked past the twelve-hour mark, he didn’t wait a second longer.
He picked up his phone, dialed the encrypted number, and brought it to his ear. The line clicked.
A moment of silence passed before the familiar rasp of Don Vittorio came through.
“Leonardo.”
Leonardo didn’t waste time. “So… have you finally decided?”
A long exhale filtered through the speaker before Don Vittorio answered.
“I have.”
Leonardo’s voice remained steady, controlled. “And what did you decide?”
Another pause, then the old Don spoke with quiet gravity.
“I know better than to rebel against a king… no matter his age.” A beat. “I’m in. But I hope—for both our sakes—I won’t come to regret my decision.”
Leonardo’s jaw clenched softly, but his voice was warm, resolute.
“N
