Shadows of Naples: Code Lightning.

A month had passed since the meeting at the café. After that conversation with Sofia, Javier tried not to think about her. He immersed himself in the gang’s affairs, spending his days in meetings, negotiations, and investigations. He had to deal with the people who had worked with his father — to understand who he could rely on and who needed to be removed. It was harder than he expected. Rafael had left behind an empire that seemed solid, but Javier quickly realized it wasn’t that simple. Some old allies no longer saw him as an authority. Others — on the contrary — saw him as an opportunity to start a new game for power. Jan, his right-hand man, was by his side through it all. He advised him whom to keep and whom to eliminate. — What are you going to do about the Order of Lightning? — he asked one evening as they sat in Rafael’s narrow office, discussing the gang’s finances. Javier chose his words carefully. — They must pay for my father’s death, — he replied. — But I haven’t decided how yet. Jan looked at him thoughtfully, as if debating whether to say something. Finally, he dropped his gaze to the papers on the table. — That was your first mistake, — he said. — You should’ve acted faster, before they regrouped. Now they’ve recovered and don’t seem afraid anymore. On the contrary — they’re confident. — Let them feel safe for now, — Javier replied coldly. — That will be their weakness. But did he really want this war? Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her face. In her eyes, he hadn’t seen lies, triumph, or gloating. Quite the opposite. Her voice trembled when she apologized, and there was no deceit in her gestures. He should have hated her — but now he couldn’t. --- A month passed. Meetings, trips, negotiations, doubts. Javier hadn’t written to Sofia, hadn’t tried to find her. He convinced himself he didn’t want to talk to her. That this woman was still his enemy. But then came that damned evening. He’d been invited to a private party in an exclusive club. The elite of the criminal world were expected to be there — leaders of various clans, shady businessmen, corrupt politicians. Javier had no desire to celebrate, but he felt obliged to attend. He didn’t expect to see her. And now she was standing before him — just as beautiful as in his memory. She wore a dark red dress that accentuated her figure. Her hair fell in soft waves, brown strands glinting in the golden light. Her confidence was unshaken, but her dark eyes carried a trace of sadness. Javier tightened his grip on his whiskey glass, feeling anger stir within him again. He couldn’t miss the subtle tension in her stance, the faint caution in her gaze. Sofia hadn’t expected to see him here — that was obvious. Yet she met his eyes, and to his surprise, instead of challenge or coldness, there was something else — perhaps even guilt. Javier didn’t know what to think. For a month, he’d been trying to sort out his father’s affairs. He still couldn’t believe he was gone. Everyone pointed to the “Order of Lightning” as the culprits. Everyone said it was their plan. That Sofia had known exactly what she was doing. That she had signed Rafael’s death sentence. But now, looking at her, he didn’t see a cold-blooded killer. While Javier wrestled with his conflicting feelings, Sofia, without breaking eye contact, took a glass of wine from a passing tray and approached him. She stopped in front of him, took a small sip, and finally spoke: — May I join you? — her voice was calm, though not without tension. Javier looked at her. Well, it seemed fate had decided to bring them together again. — Please. He gestured for her to sit. Sofia slowly sat down across from him, holding her wine glass carefully. Their eyes met, and in that moment, something invisible sparked between them again — something that held them together, even as they both tried to resist it. Sofia traced the rim of her glass with her finger, feeling the faint vibration of the crystal. The soft hum of conversation filled the room, and the music floated gently in the air. She looked up and met Javier’s gaze — dark, sharp, studying her intently. She smiled, trying to maintain her usual confidence, though inside she felt a flicker of nervousness. Why was he here? Had he been looking for her? Or was it fate? — Didn’t expect to see you here, — she said. — And I thought you’d warn me if we were to end up in the same place, — his voice was calm. Sofia took a sip of wine, choosing her words carefully. — I didn’t know you’d be here. — But you knew I’d find you eventually, — he said, watching her with a faint, tense smile. — Why did you want to see me? — she asked. — To understand who you really are, — he replied simply. A silence settled between them, filled only by the distant hum of music and conversation. Sofia didn’t know what to say. It was a moment she had subconsciously feared — and yet awaited. Javier nodded slowly, as if answering a thought of his own. — I thought… — his voice was quiet but firm. — That I’d never forgive you. She tensed. — But now I understand… it wasn’t your fault, — he finished. — And I don’t want to carry this anger anymore. Sofia was silent for a moment. She studied his face, the shift in his expression, his tone. Finally, she said softly: — I’m sorry for everything that happened. I can’t change the past, Javier. But I don’t want to be your enemy. — So… we’re friends now? — he smiled. — Yes, — Sofia nodded. — We’ll see how that goes, — Javier said. A light melody began playing in the background. Javier felt something inside him ease. He still had every reason to hate this woman, but somehow — he didn’t want to. For the first time in a long while, something new entered his thoughts of Sofia — something other than anger. Something new. Unknown. But perhaps dangerous. --- The clock on the wall showed long past midnight when the party began to fade. Guests in elegant suits and dresses were leaving one by one, and the music softened. Sofia stood by the bar, holding a glass of half-finished wine. Her thoughts were still tangled in what had happened an hour ago. Javier approached her with a calm smile. — I thought I could give you a ride. It’s on my way. Sofia raised an eyebrow, surprised. — You sure? — she asked, tilting her head slightly. — I told you I forgave you, — he replied. — So maybe we can start over? As friends. For a moment she hesitated, studying his face. — Alright, — she said finally, standing up. — Just promise you won’t try to poison me on the way. Javier smiled, opening the car door for her. — Don’t worry. I prefer cold weapons. Sofia chuckled and got into the car. Javier took the driver’s seat. They pulled out of the parking lot, leaving the noise of the club behind. For a moment, silence filled the car, broken only by the quiet music playing from the speakers. — So… we’re friends now? — Javier asked, glancing at her. Sofia smiled. — Friends… sounds strange. — There’s always a first time for everything, — he shrugged. She didn’t reply, but her eyes lingered on him, thoughtful. They drove in silence until the car neared the Rayland estate. Finally, Sofia spoke: — I don’t know what made you change your mind… but I appreciate it. Javier smiled faintly. — We’ll see where it goes, Sofia. The car stopped at the ornate gates of the Reyland mansion. Sofia reached for the door handle, then turned back to him. — Will we see each other again, Javier? He paused, then nodded. — Yes. Definitely. She smiled again, stepped out, and walked toward the entrance without looking back. Javier watched her for a while, realizing that his feelings toward Sofia were growing more complicated. He pressed the gas and disappeared into the night.