CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOUR – POLICE RAID

The night was thick with tension as Joan and Alessandro made their final preparations to leave. They had packed light, just a few essentials in nondescript bags. The plan was to slip out of the city under cover of darkness, using a network of loyal contacts to make their way to a private airfield. As they were about to step out of their penthouse for the last time, Alessandro's phone buzzed urgently. His face paled as he read the message. "They're coming," he whispered, his voice tight with fear. "The police. They're raiding all known Fratelli properties. Now." Joan felt her heart race. "How? I thought we had more time." Alessandro shook his head, already moving into action. "Someone must have talked. We need to move. Now." They abandoned their careful plans, rushing down the emergency stairwell instead of taking the elevator. As they burst out into the alley behind their building, they heard the wail of approaching sirens. "This way," Alessandro hissed, grabbing Joan's hand and