Chapter 138

Matteo sat calmly at the interview table beside Philip, both waiting in tense silence for Conor’s arrival. Leaning back, Matteo rested his arm casually on the back of his chair, exuding a quiet confidence. Philip, meanwhile, raised his hands, only to have the shackles around his wrists catch on the metal bar they were tethered to.

“Why am I still handcuffed?” Philip asked, frustration evident in his voice.

Without looking up, Matteo pulled a cigarette from the pocket of his jumpsuit just as the door creaked open. Conor entered, his stride faltering the moment his eyes locked onto Philip. Instinctively, Philip lunged forward, arms outstretched toward Conor, but the chains held him back firmly.

“That’s exactly why,” Matteo said, lighting his cigarette with a practiced flick of his lighter. “Glad you could join us, Conor.”

Conor’s glare was sharp and unyielding. The tension between the men was palpable—Philip’s muscles tensed beneath his shirt, his jaw clenched so tightly it seemed as if it might crack under the strain. Neither man wanted to share the same airspace. Conor placed a sheet of paper on the table and slid it slowly toward Philip.

“Read it. Sign it. The sooner you do, the sooner I’m out of here.”

“Motivating enough,” Philip replied, his voice low.