THE TEST

Chapter 3: The Test

The next morning, Alex received a call from Marco, instructing him to meet at the Bianchi family's headquarters. Alex arrived promptly, dressed in his finest attire, and was greeted by Victor, who led him to Marco's office.

Marco was seated behind his desk, his eyes fixed intently on Alex. "Today, you'll be tested," Marco said, his voice firm but calm. "You'll be given a task, and you'll be expected to complete it. If you succeed, you'll be one step closer to becoming a trusted member of this family."

Alex nodded, his heart racing with anticipation. He was ready to prove himself.

Marco handed Alex a folder containing a photograph and a name. "This is Luca De Santos," Marco explained. "He's a former associate of ours who's been causing trouble. I want you to find him and bring him to me."

Alex studied the photograph, committing Luca's features to memory. He felt a surge of determination and nodded. "I won't disappoint you, Marco."

Marco's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "I expect nothing but success, Alex. You have 48 hours to complete the task."

Alex left the office, his mind racing with strategy and planning. He knew that finding Luca wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to succeed.

As he walked out of the headquarters, Alex was approached by a familiar face - Leonardo "Leo" Bianchi, Marco's younger brother and the family's wild card.

Leo was a few years younger than Alex, with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, Alex," Leo said, falling into step beside him. "I heard you're on a mission to find Luca."

Alex nodded, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "That's right."

Leo grinned. "I can help you with that. I know some people who might know Luca's whereabouts."

Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's in it for you, Leo?"

Leo chuckled. "Let's just say I'm curious about you, Alex. I want to see how you handle yourself in a tough situation."

Alex nodded, a plan forming in his mind. "Alright, Leo. Let's work together."

As they walked, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He didn't know much about Leo, but he knew that the younger Bianchi was unpredictable and prone to violence.

But for now, Alex was willing to take the risk. He needed Leo's help to find Luca, and he was willing to do whatever it took to succeed.

The sun was setting over the city, casting a golden glow over the streets. Alex and Leo walked in silence, their eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of Luca.

As they turned a corner, Alex spotted a familiar face - a young woman with piercing green eyes and long, curly brown hair. She was standing outside a seedy-looking bar, her eyes fixed intently on Alex.

"Who's that?" Leo asked, following Alex's gaze.

Alex's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the woman. "That's Sophia," he said, his voice low. "We have history."

Leo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of history?"

Alex's eyes locked onto Sophia's, a spark of tension igniting between them. "The kind that's complicated," Alex said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sophia's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. Alex knew that she was trouble, but he couldn't help the way he felt.

As they approached the bar, Sophia's eyes flicked to Leo, her expression unreadable. "Well, well, well," she said, her voice husky. "Look what we have here."

Leo grinned, his eyes locked onto Sophia's. "And who might you be?"

Sophia's smile was like a razor's edge. "I'm someone who knows Luca," she said, her eyes glinting with amusement. "And I might be willing to help you find him."

Alex's heart skipped a beat as he met Sophia's gaze. He knew that she was playing games, but he was willing to play along.

For now.

"Let's talk," Alex said, his voice low and even.

Sophia's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I think that can be arranged."

As they stepped into the bar, Alex knew that he was walking into a world of trouble. But he was ready. He had a job to do, and he was going to see it through.

No matter what it took.

The bar was dimly lit, the air thick with smoke and desperation. Alex's eyes scanned the room, his gaze locking onto a figure in the corner.

Luca.

Alex's heart skipped a beat as he met Luca's gaze. He knew that he had to be careful, that one wrong move could spell disaster.

But he was ready. He had a plan, and he was going to see it