LOCATION: UPPER WEST SIDE- LUCA MORETTI'S TOWNHOUSE
Rain drummed a steady rhythm on the rooftop as Nico crouched beneath a skylight, heart pounding against glass. He'd once walked freely through Luca's front door. Tonight, he moved like a ghost through shadows.
Inside, Luca sat in his study, sipping cognac and whispering into his phone.
"I told you, she's moving faster than expected," he muttered. "Yes, she's got Gianna. Even pulled in Domenico. And Nico..."
Nico's jaw clenched.
"...he's too close. Soften him if you can. Kill him if you must. I don't care how. But she cannot reach Vittorio before we do."
A pause.
"I want the drive. The girl is chaos. Matteo was one thing- but Isabella? she burns everything."
So it's true, Nico thought. He was in on it. Since the beginning.
He recorded the rest-every name, every contact, every drop of poison Luca spilled-and slipped away just as silently as he'd come.
LOCATIOIN: REDHOOK WAREHOUSE-ISABELLA'S HIDEOUT
Nico didn't knock.
He stormed in, soaked from rain, fury lighting his features.
"Luca betrayed Matteo. He's working with your father."
Isabella looked up from a map of their next target. "You're sure?"
He tossed the recorder onto the table. "Listen for yourself."
She did.
With every word, her expression changed-not to shock or heartbeat, but to a cold, calculating silence.
When it ended, she said nothing for a long time. Then:
"Where is he now?"
"Still at the townhouse. I could have killed him."
"But you didn't".
Nico stepped closer." Because that wasn't my kill to take."
A beat passed. Then she whispered, "Thank you."
LATER THAT NIGHT-LUCA'S TOWNHOUSE
Luca poured himself another drink, humming softly, pleased with the chaod he'd sown.
The knock came just after midnight.
He opened the door.
Isabella stood in the rain. hair soaked, black coat buttoned to her throat. Her eyes burned like embers.
"Isa, Luca said gently, "I didn't expect you."
"I know," she said.
He stepped back. "Come in. you must be freezing."
she crossed the threshold.
and drew her gun.
Luca paled. "Wait-"
she fired.
One bullet in the leg.
He collapsed to the ground, screaming.
she stepped over him like debris. "That's for Matteo."
Blood spilled on the hardwood.
"And this," she said, kneeling beside him, whispering like the blade of a guillotine, "is for treating me like a pawn."
"You won't make it to Vittorio," he gasped. "he has Ivanov. Ricci. The families will never let a woman wear the crown."
"I don't want the crown," Isabella said.
she stood, calm as winter.
"I want the throne burned to ash."
FINAL SCENE-UNKNOWN LOCATION
A man watched Isabella through a security feed, her image frozen mid-stride.
Ricci.
He lit a cigar, smiled without warmth.
"Let the girl dance," he said to his men. "Let her bleed her family dry. When she's done..."
He tapped the ash tray.
...."We'll take the kingdom."