We need to meet. Urgent.!

Roberto stands in the aftermath of Vito's visit, his phone buzzes, the sharp vibration cutting through the silence. It's a message from Sofia.

"We need to meet. Urgent."

He knows Sofia is playing her own game, but right now, she's the only one who seems to understand the weight of what he's facing. Bella's family is closing in, and he's running out of allies. Sofia might be his last hope.

"She's waiting at the club," Marco says quietly, knowing full well who "she" is.

At the club, the atmosphere is alive with music but Roberto is focused, he heads for the private room in the back. When he enters, Sofia is already waiting for him, lounging on a velvet couch, her legs crossed, a smirk playing at her lips.

"Roberto," she says, her voice smooth, a touch of seduction laced into her tone. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."

"What do you want, Sofia?"

Her smile falters, just for a second, before she regains her composure. She stands, walking toward him, her movements slow and deliberate.

"I want what you want," she says, her voice soft now, almost a whisper. "To survive. To win."

Roberto's grip tightens around his glass. He can see through her game, but that doesn't mean she's wrong. He needs her, now more than ever. But trusting her, truly trusting her, was a dangerous gamble.

Sofia steps closer, her hand reaching up to touch his face, but Roberto grabs her wrist, stopping her before she can make contact.

"What are you really after, Sofia?" he asks, his voice low, but dangerous.

Sofia tilts her head slightly, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "I want to help you, Roberto. You need me. Bella's family is tightening the noose, and you can't fight this war alone."

She leans in, her breath warm against his skin. "Let me handle them."

Roberto's jaw clenches, his mind racing with the implications of her offer. He knows Sofia has her own agenda, but right now, with Vito breathing down his neck and Bella slowly slipping away, he might not have a choice.

"And what do you want in return?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sofia pulls back slightly, her smile widening. "When this is over, I want a seat at the table.

"Done."

Sofia's smile turns triumphant, and she steps back, satisfied. "Good. Now, let me take care of Vito."

Roberto watches her closely, his stomach twisting with unease. He knows what this means. Vito won't walk away from this war alive. But maybe that's the price he has to pay for survival, for power.

"Remember, Roberto," she says, her voice soft but dangerous. "You've already sacrificed too much to lose now."