I had spent years studying the patterns of high-functioning sociopaths and narcissistic personalities.

Moretti was not just a criminal; he was an egoist who needed to feel superior.

“Listen to me, Dante,” I said, grabbing his lapels to force him to look at me.

He went still, his chest rising and falling against my hands.

“Moretti is a narcissist,” I said. “He does not just want the territory. He wants to humiliate you.”

Dante grimaced, but he didn’t interrupt.

“He wants to see you break,” I continued, my voice growing steadier. “He wants to see me submit because it proves he has taken everything from you.”

“I will not let him touch you,” Dante muttered.

“We use that against him,” I said. “We play into his need for dominance.”

Dante stared at me, his dark eyes narrowing as he processed my words.

“How?” he asked.

“A man like Moretti operates on a rigid, predictable script,” I said. “He expects you to react with anger and violence.”

“I am angry,” Dante said.

“I know,” I said. “But if you attack him directly, he wins because he controls the terms.”