The two brothers watched each other for what felt like the longest time, seated opposite each other in the dimly lit office... neither of them speaking, yet both clearly aware that silence wasn't going to solve anything because the problem was as clear as Day in front of them.
It was night, and the estate had settled into that unsettling quiet that only came after chaos, the kind where every little sound became noticeable if you paid enough attention. Somewhere down the corridor, a guard's footsteps echoed faintly against the marble floors, steady and disciplined...but even in the midst of this sound, the scilence still felt deafening.
Antonio sat back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, a glass of liquor resting loosely in his hand. He hadn't taken a sip. Not once. His eyes were locked on Raphael like he was waiting for him to finally say what had been sitting in the air since they got back.
