He rushed back to Matteo, grabbing his shirt with trembling hands. "What if we run away? Somewhere far away where they can't find us?"
Matteo took Adrian's hands in his, his expression hardening with quiet resolve. "We're not running. We're staying right here."
Adrian's eyes widened, panic running through him.
"Staying here is suicide, Matteo! My father has evidence. He has connections. If you don't leave, you're walking straight into a cage."
Matteo let out a low laugh, completely unfazed.
"I'm not scared," he said. "If it wasn't your father, I would've turned this into a war and seen who dares to arrest me. If he has connections, then let him try."
"It's not funny!" Adrian snapped, his voice shaking. "He will put you in jail!"
Matteo didn't flinch. He pulled Adrian closer. "Let him come," he said, "I've spent my whole life playing by the rules of men like him. But he made one mistake… he tried to use you as a bargaining chip."
