Regan clutched the untraceable phone, the earlier anxieties settling into a determined resolve. The video call with his father had been a revelation, a balm to years of longing and a sobering reminder of the darkness that still surrounded them. Meeting David in person was no longer just a desire; it was a necessity."Italy then," Regan murmured, a hopeful smile gracing his lips as he turned to his grandfather. "It's really happening. I'm finally meeting my dad.""Indeed," Mr. Roger replied, his gaze softening with genuine affection. "Sarah and I have finalized the arrangements. We depart tomorrow morning. A private jet, a discreet security detail, and a secure location await us. Your safety, and your father's, are our utmost priority."The following morning, Regan found himself soaring through the vast expanse of the sky, the Italian coastline drawing closer with each passing moment. The opulence of the private jet felt surreal, a world away from the humble life he had known just week

He awoke late the next morning, the sun streaming through the villa windows, chasing away the lingering shadows of the previous night. After a refreshing shower, he dressed and ventured out of his room, eager to greet his father and begin planning their next move.But as he stepped into the main living area, he stopped short, his jaw dropping in astonishment. The villa had been transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, a scene of joyful celebration that defied the dark undercurrents of their current reality.Colorful decorations adorned the walls, tables laden with a delectable feast of Italian delicacies lined the room, and laughter and chatter filled the air. He saw familiar faces mingling with new ones: Sarah, looking uncharacteristically relaxed, sharing a joke with Marco and Sofia, the elderly Italian couple who had befriended his father; his grandfather, beaming with pride, engaged in a lively conversation with a group of David’s fellow fishermen; and in the center of it all,

As the conversation wrapped up, Regan felt a sense of camaraderie with his friends. They shared laughter, stories, and plans for the future, solidifying their bond even further. But as they ended the call, Regan couldn’t help but feel a heaviness in his heart.He returned to the party, the festivities still alive with laughter and music. As he made his way through the crowd, he spotted Sarah rushing towards him, her expression a mix of concern and relief.“Regan! I was starting to worry about where you were,” she said, her voice tinged with worry.Regan smiled, reassuring her. “You worry too much, Sarah. I’m fine. I was just on a call with my friends.”She let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, visibly relaxing. “I’m glad to hear that. Everyone’s been enjoying the party. Your grandfather has really gone all out.”As the day passed, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and joy. Regan found himself caught up in the celebration, the laughter of family and friends wrapping

The relief that washed over Amelia was palpable. Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and a genuine, albeit fleeting, smile touched her lips. “Thank you, Regan. I won’t let you down. I promise.”But even as he watched her, Regan knew he couldn't afford to be swayed by her apparent sincerity. This was Amelia, after all – a woman who had once been a close ally of his enemies, a woman who had willingly participated in their schemes. Trusting her completely would be a fool’s game.“Before we go any further,” Regan began, his voice sharp, “we need to be clear about the terms of this alliance. You’re working for us now. That means you answer to us. You provide us with all the information you have, without holding anything back. And you follow our instructions, no questions asked. Can you do that?”Amelia nodded, her eyes fixed on his. “Yes, I understand. I’ll do whatever you ask.”“Good.” Regan turned to Anny, his expression serious. “Anny, I want you to oversee Amelia. Monitor her communication

The air crackled with anticipation as Alfred and Amelia engaged in their deceptive dance. Every word, every gesture, was meticulously recorded, each fleeting expression analyzed for truth or falsehood. Regan watched, his gut twisting with a mixture of hope and dread. It was all coming down to this.“I know things haven’t been…easy lately, Alfred,” Amelia said, her voice laced with a feigned desperation that almost sounded real. “But I have something…something that can change everything. Something you need to hear.”Alfred’s eyes narrowed, suspicion etched across his face. “What is it, Amelia? Don’t play games with me.”“I found something…a loophole. A way out of all this. A way for us to disappear, start over,” Amelia replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes darting nervously around the warehouse.Alfred’s suspicion deepened. “Disappear? Start over? What are you talking about?”“I can’t explain it all here,” Amelia replied, her voice laced with urgency. “It’s too risky. We