Chapter 3 - THE TEST THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
At 3:17 the following morning, Enzo received the call.
The laboratory findings and specialist assessment supported cardiac glycoside poisoning.
The doctors had begun appropriate treatment, including antidotal therapy under toxicology guidance, while continuing intensive cardiac monitoring.
Matteo remained critically ill.
But for the first time in weeks, his physicians had a plausible explanation for his deterioration.
Enzo stood in the hospital corridor, staring at the wall.
Then he called the estate.
"Where's Carlo?"
A guard answered.
"He left an hour ago."
Enzo closed his eyes.
"Did anyone stop him?"
"No. He said he was going to see his wife."
Enzo ended the call.
He had made a terrible mistake.
For weeks, he had threatened doctors, searched for enemies outside the family, and watched Matteo deteriorate.
Meanwhile, the person bringing the suspicious tea had walked through every security checkpoint without being questioned.
Because he was family.
Enzo returned to Matteo's room.
His boss lay beneath white hospital sheets, surrounded by equipment.
Matteo opened his eyes.
"The girl?"
"She's safe."
"Good."
"The doctors think she was right."
Matteo closed his eyes.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then he whispered:
"Carlo?"
Enzo hesitated.
"He left the estate."
Matteo's expression did not change.
But something behind his eyes went cold.
"Find him through the police."
Enzo stared.
"The police?"
"Yes."
"Matteo—"
"If someone tried to kill me, I want evidence. Not another body."
Enzo slowly nodded.
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It was the first time in twenty years that Matteo Costa had chosen the law over revenge.
And neither man understood yet how much that decision would cost.
