CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIX – REFUGE AT THE GATES

Joan stood at the iron gates of the Fratelli mansion, her heart pounding in her chest. The journey from New York had been a blur of fear and exhaustion. Now, as she gazed up at the imposing stone structure, a wave of uncertainty washed over her. A gruff voice called out from behind the gates. "Who goes there?" Joan swallowed hard. "I'm Joan Keppler. I'm here to see Scipione Fratelli." There was a moment of silence, then the creak of metal as the gates slowly swung open. A stern-faced man in a dark suit approached her. "Follow me," he said curtly, turning on his heel without waiting for a response. Joan hurried after him, her small suitcase bumping against her leg. As they neared the entrance, the massive wooden doors opened, revealing Scipione Fratelli himself. He was an older man, with sharp features and cold, calculating eyes. His gaze swept over Joan, and she felt a chill run down her spine. "So," Scipione said, his voice low and gravelly. "You're the one Alessandro sent." J