Chapter 3 THE AFTERMATH

Previously, she had worked with a CIA agent in New York until she lost her job after being framed. An investigation that had lasted a year finally yielded evidence against Deago, also known as Vinnie. All the information collected had been entrusted to Giulia, one of the agency's most reliable agents.

One night, just as the evidence was secured under her care, their facility was invaded, and all the crucial information went missing. Giulia became the scapegoat for the incident and soon found herself unemployed.

Vinnie, a notorious drug lord, was responsible for her misfortune; he had tracked Giulia down and planned to kill her for her involvement in his business. However, he soon saw her potential. Recognizing her skills in infiltration, he believed she could be a valuable asset in bringing down competitors he felt threatened his solo reign over wealth and fame.

""So I'm here with you, Giulia! The almighty CIA agent. It took me so long to find you. I must say, you are good at hiding your tracks," Vinnie mocked. He continued, "Jokes on you-no one is ever too good for me, isn't that right, boys?" He questioned his security guards, who responded with loud laughter and replied in chorus, "Yes, sir!"

Giulia spat at him, sitting tied to a chair. Her heart beat like a drum, filled with conflicting emotions of fear and courage. She refused to appear weak in front of these thugs. "You do not know who you're messing with," she said.

Laughter echoed in the dark room. "You mean a jobless CIA agent whose loyalty has been questioned?" Vinnie mocked. Giulia remained silent for a moment before asking, "What do you want? Who are you?"

"Oh, she's a smart one," he chuckled. "Calm down, little angel. Don't move faster than your shadow; besides, your shadow is seated right here with you." Furious, he grabbed her chin tightly, making her feel as if her teeth might come loose. "Now listen to me, you little brat. You should have been lying in your own pool of blood, but I thought you might be useful to me. I want you to work for me."

"I will never work for a drug lord. Because of your illegal trafficking, many lives have been ripped away from families and society," she replied defiantly.

"Oh dear, I guess you're getting it all wrong. I'm not asking you-this isn't a request; it's an order!" he said, pulling a picture from his long brown coat.

""Mom," she gasped, struggling to stand up from the chair to which she was tied. "If you truly love her, you'll do as I instruct. And remember this: refusing my orders will cost

your sweet mother a bullet to the head," Deago threatened.

"Please, I have no one else except her," she pleaded.

"Very well then, be a good girl and follow my instructions," he said with a smirk. He added, "Get her something to take."

With no other choice, Giulia accepted the offer. It wasn't free; she was paid a reasonable amount of money, which equaled her earnings as a CIA agent. Although she felt amused, she also knew that she couldn't be greedy and ignore the negative implications of this large sum. On the other hand, if she refused to take the money or work for Vinnie, she and her mother might end up as headlines reading, "Mother and Daughter Lose Their Lives Due to Food Poisoning." Vinnie was dangerous; he wouldn't do anything that would leave visible traces Tears rolled down Giulia's cheeks as she cried. Her greatest fear was losing her mom. "I don't want to lose my mom!" Giulia sobbed, signaling Luca for help.

"Okay, okay, I will help you! Just stop crying. I'll call Lorenzo; he's good at this kind of thing," Luca replied with an encouraging gesture. He looked at her closely, lost in thought, trying to understand what it must feel like to be in such a helpless situation involving a loved one.

"Do you have any siblings?" he asked. Luca realized he was in a tough spot, but he refused to falter. His intention was to keep her spirits high and not instill any fear in her. While waiting for Lorenzo's response, he started scribbling down some notes.

"My dad died from cancer, and since then, it's just been me, my mom, and my two siblings-Nicolas and Sophia.