Chapter 16. Shaken.

As Carlos caught sight of Rio, he couldn't resist smirking. It was as if he had won a trophy. "Ah, Mr. Rio. Welcome to the party," he said with a hint of mockery in his voice. Rio shifted his gaze to Luca, who was staring at him intently.

"What is he talking about, Rio?" Luca asked, his eyes never leaving Rio's face. Rio paused for a moment, his eyes flickering to Elena, who was wearing an unreadable expression.

"He keeps claiming you have some sort of evidence," Luca added, growing more agitated by the second.

"I don't..." Rio began, but Luca cut him off sharply.

"Do you have the damn evidence, Rio?" he snapped. Rio hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. Luca closed his eyes and sighed heavily.

"I'll..." Rio started to say, but Luca cut him off again.

"Forget it," he said, turning abruptly and heading for the door.

"You don't want to face the truth, Mr. Romano?" Carlos called after him, but Luca didn't even turn back.

Elena turned to Rio, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Wha