CASSIA
Silence settled over the room the moment Kairos finished speaking, so thick it felt like even the faintest sound would shatter it.
The air turned cold, despite this being the warmest part of the restaurant. Whatever heat had once filled the space had long since vanished, replaced by something far more dangerous.
Matteo's eyes remained fixed on me, the corner of his mouth twitching in a way that held no amusement.
"I settle the score with you?" he murmured, his voice low and deadly calm.
"That's right," Kairos replied.
Slowly, Matteo dragged his gaze away from me and fixed it on Kairos. The two men stood there, locked in a silent standoff, measuring each other without a word.
Around us, Matteo's men stayed tense, hands hovering over their guns, ready to act at the slightest command.
Time stretched. No one spoke. Then, at last, Matteo gave a stiff nod, his lips pulling into a wide, calculated smile.
