The line went dead with a sharp click.

I stared at the black screen of my phone.

It vibrated again immediately.

Matteo’s name flashed across the glass in bright white letters.

I answered it this time, my fingers trembling.

“Emily,” his voice came through, raspy and breathless. “Where are you?”

“I am still in the city,” I said.

“You need to get to the airport,” he said, the sound of wind and distant sirens echoing in his background. “My cousin has taken the northern villa. He has the council’s backing.”

“Not for long,” I said.

“What did you do?” he demanded.

“I called Gianni Moretti,” I said.

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line.

“Are you insane?” Matteo whispered. “Moretti will have you killed the moment you show your face.”

“He wants the money, Matteo,” I said. “And I have the only keys that can unlock it.”

“Emily, listen to me,” he said, his voice cracking with urgency. “My cousin is setting me up. He told the council I stole the ledger myself.”