ITALY - 3:09 PM

The vast VIP room echoed with silence, broken only by the deep murmur of conversation. Several bodyguards stood like immovable statues around two men of power, their presence heavy and intimidating. On the plush leather couch, a man sat with a composed expression, his body leaned back in a display of casual authority. Across from him, another man, equally poised, was deeply engrossed in their discussion-an intense exchange over the colossal sum of money required to finalize the deal.