The line clicked to hold.
Antonio immediately dialed Lorenzo, who answered on the first ring.
"Well?"
"He's willing to negotiate. But he wants you on the line. Wants to hear your agreement directly."
"Of course he does. The boy doesn't trust anyone." Lorenzo's voice held grudging respect. "What are the terms?"
Antonio outlined them quickly.
Lorenzo was quiet for a moment. "He's protecting her. Making sure we can't move against the girl without breaking our word to him directly."
"Yes."
"Smart. Ruthless, even." Lorenzo chuckled darkly. "Fine. I'll agree to his terms. For now. But Antonio....this doesn't end well. You know that, don't you? Eventually, he'll have to choose. His empire or his woman. And when he chooses the woman...."
"Then we'll deal with it. But not today." Antonio switched back to the three-way call. "Dimitri. Lorenzo is on the line."
"Lorenzo," Dimitri said, his voice neutral.
