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Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Deception's Veil

As Camorra sat in his office, his brow furrowed in concern over the anonymous report that had sown seeds of discord within the Red Shirts, the door swung open. Barboligo and Cavour entered, their expressions a mix of urgency and apprehension.

Cavour, the lines etched with worry, took a deep breath before speaking. "General, there are pressing matters regarding the recent turmoil within our movement."

With a steady voice, Cavour relayed the details of the anonymous report and hinted at his reservations regarding Angelo's involvement. "There's reason to suspect that Angelo might have a hand in this, General."

Barboligo's countenance shifted, his features contorted in disbelief and indignation. "I have complete faith in Angelo's loyalty and dedication to our cause, General. Cavour's accusations are baseless!"

Garibaldi, caught between the conflicting stances of his advisors, maintained a composed demeanour. "Cavour, your concerns are noted. Barboligo, your loyalty to Angelo is apparent."

Cavour, his voice measured yet tinged with concern, addressed Garibaldi with a sense of urgency. "General, I understand the significance of unity in our cause. However, ever since Angelo's integration into our ranks, tensions have surfaced, unsettling the harmony we've strived to maintain."

Garibaldi listened attentively, his expression grave as Cavour continued. "The discord we witness now, the suspicions and upheaval, coincide with Angelo's involvement. It's a delicate situation, one that warrants caution."

Barboligo, in rage due to Cavour's word, interjected, "Cavour, your insinuations are unfounded! Angelo is a dedicated patriot, committed to our ideals."

Cavour, unyielding, pressed on. "I speak not out of mistrust but out of a duty to protect the integrity of our movement. The recent events demand scrutiny, General."

Garibaldi, grappling with the conflicting perspectives, sought a path to reconcile the growing divide. "Your concerns are duly noted, Cavour. Barboligo, your support for Angelo is clear. Yet, we must tread carefully to preserve the unity that defines us."

After the intense meeting, Barboligo sought solace in a private conversation with Angelo, seeking reassurance amidst the brewing discord.

"Barboligo," Angelo began, his tone carefully crafted to evoke empathy, "I understand your concerns. But rest assured, our loyalty remains steadfast."

Barboligo, his loyalty to Angelo unshakeable, looked to him for guidance. "Angelo, I trust you completely. But these tensions... they worry me."

Angelo, seizing the chance to plant seeds of doubt, leaned in, his voice laced with calculated concern. "Cavour's suspicions could jeopardize our movement. His mistrust might breed further division."

"What should we do?" Barboligo questioned, In search of guidance. 

Angelo, the master manipulator, painted a subtle picture, carefully moulding Barboligo's perceptions to serve his own ends. "Barboligo, Cavour's caution might hinder our progress. Your influence can counterbalance his scepticism and ensure our cause remains undeterred."

Angelo, having planted the seeds of doubt within Barboligo's mind, convened with his confidants at La Famiglia's pizzeria. With a calculated demeanour, he relayed the strategic advantage of leveraging Barboligo's wavering trust to orchestrate the downfall of Cavour.

"My friends," Angelo began, his voice tinged with a calculated resolve, "Barboligo's allegiance teeters on the edge. This is our window of opportunity."

Corteo, usually cautious, sought clarification. "What do you propose, Angelo?"

A devilish smile curved on Angelo's lips as he outlined his plan. "Barboligo's influence, if wielded strategically, can undermine Cavour's standing within Garibaldi's council."

Lucas, intrigued by the strategic advantage, nodded in agreement. "Using Barboligo against Cavour could sow further dissent."

Bradley, usually reserved, voiced a note of caution. "But won't this escalate tensions further?"

Angelo's gaze held a steely determination. "It's a calculated risk, but the opportunity to get Cavour out is too valuable to ignore."

As the delicate balance within Garibaldi's circle teetered on the edge of disruption, Angelo, the clandestine orchestrator, meticulously crafted a deceitful stratagem to manipulate Barboligo's wavering trust. In the dimly lit backroom of La Famiglia's pizzeria, Angelo, pointed at document on table, the words 'Cavour, Leader of Crowned in Shadow' glaring back in black ink.

"Barboligo," Angelo began, his voice low and measured, "I stumbled upon this document. Its contents shed light on potential motivations behind Cavour's suspicions."

Barboligo's brow furrowed in disbelief as he scanned the fabricated report. "This... this implicates Cavour as the mastermind of Crowned in Shadow."

Angelo nodded solemnly, weaving a deceptive narrative. "It might explain Cavour's accusations against me. He could be trying to divert attention from his own involvement."

Barboligo's rage surged, his hands trembling in fury. "I will expose this deception! Everyone needs to know!"

Angelo, seizing the moment, reached out, halting Barboligo's impulsive reaction. "Not now, Barboligo. The timing is crucial. Revealing this abruptly could tip the balance against us. We need a strategic approach."

Barboligo, torn between righteous anger and Angelo's persuasive reasoning, reluctantly acquiesced, his emotions churning within. As he left, the weight of deceit and potential betrayal haunted him.

Angelo, surrounded by his partners, concealed a calculated smile, his manipulation forging deeper rifts within their council.