Aligning with enemies

As night fell over the city, Roberto's penthouse became a hive of activity. His most trusted lieutenants gathered in the war room, each one knowing the gravity of the situation but none daring to question their leader. Roberto stood at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the faces before him.

"We have a problem," Roberto said, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. "Bella is aligning herself with our enemies. She thinks she can turn them against me, but she's forgotten one thing, I built this empire. I made these alliances, and I can break them just as easily."

There were murmurs of agreement around the table, but Roberto's gaze shifted to Marco, who remained silent. It was subtle, but Roberto could sense something was off with his right-hand man. He had known Marco for years, trusted him with everything, but now now there was doubt.

"I want everyone's loyalty tested," Roberto continued, his eyes never leaving Marco. "I don't care how long they've been with us. If anyone shows even the slightest sign of wavering, they're gone."

Marco finally met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "Understood."

Roberto nodded, but the tension between them lingered. He knew the time would come when he would have to question even those closest to him. And if Marco was no longer as loyal as he appeared, that moment might be sooner than expected.

The meeting continued, but Roberto's mind was elsewhere. Bella's betrayal had shaken him, and now he had to question everything, everyone.

As the meeting wrapped up, Roberto pulled Marco aside. "Stay behind," he ordered, his voice low.

Marco hesitated for a split second before nodding. Once the others had left the room, Roberto turned to face him fully, his expression unreadable.

"You've been quiet lately," Roberto said, his tone casual but sharp. "Is there something I should know?"

Marco crossed his arms, meeting Roberto's gaze head-on. "I'm here, aren't I? I've always been here."

"Loyalty is a funny thing, Marco," Roberto said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It can shift when you least expect it. And I need to know that I can still trust you."

For a moment, the tension between them was palpable. Marco's loyalty had never been in question before, but now Roberto couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

"I've always had your back, Roberto," Marco said, his voice steady. "But things are changing, fast. Bella's move, it's bigger than you think. She's got more people on her side than you realize."

Roberto's jaw tightened. "Then it's time we show her what happens to those who think they can outplay me."

Marco nodded, but there was in his eyes, something that made Roberto wonder if even his most trusted ally could no longer be trusted.

As days pass by, he knows the war is something that will separate both families but he is ready to risk it all.