Chapter 5 - The Setup
Dante didn't scream. He didn't break anything. The sheer, terrifying magnitude of the betrayal settled into his chest like a block of ice. His syndicate ran on strict codes of respect. Extorting a struggling mother to pay for child medication crossed a line that Dante would never forgive.
"Elena," Dante said, his voice completely devoid of emotion. "When is Victor coming to collect the money?"
"Tonight," Elena wept, wiping her eyes. "He told me to meet him in the back alley behind the estate's loading dock at midnight. If I don't have the cash... he's taking me."
Dante looked down at Sophie, who was hugging her mother's leg, looking up at him with those brave, innocent eyes.
"He isn't taking you anywhere," Dante stated with absolute finality.
He reached into his tailored navy suit jacket and pulled out a thick stack of hundred-dollar bills wrapped in a bank band. He handed the massive stack of cash to Elena.
"Take this," Dante ordered. "Go to the loading dock at midnight. Give him exactly what he asks for."
Elena looked at the money, utterly bewildered and terrified. "Mr. Moretti, if I give him this, he'll just come back next month and demand more! He never stops!"
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"He won't be coming back next month," Dante replied, turning his back to walk out of the kitchen. "Make sure you aren't late."
👉 What terrifying trap is waiting for the corrupt enforcer in the dark alley?
