“There is no money for you,” I said.

“They will kill me!” he screamed, his voice rising to a frantic pitch that made me wince. “You’re with the Vitales now. You have access to their accounts. Please, Emily, I am your father.”

“You sold me to pay your debts,” I said.

My voice was steady, devoid of the anger that used to consume me.

“The debt is paid,” I said. “Don Alessandro is dead, and the syndicate is changing.”

“Emily, please—”

“Never call this number again,” I said, and pressed the red button on the screen.

The line went dead, leaving only the quiet hum of the air conditioner in the room.

I stared at the black screen for a moment, then slid the phone into my pocket.

Matteo watched me from the edge of the table, his dark eyes searching my face.

“Is he safe?” Matteo asked.

“He is on his own,” I said. “Just as I was.”

Matteo nodded slowly, accepting my decision without question.

“We have to move quickly,” he said, pointing to the binder. “Enzo’s men are already moving some of the cash from the northern accounts.”