Chapter 9
The hours ticked by in a haze of brutal, methodical extraction. Vittorio emerged from the basement holding cells just as the sun began to set, casting long, dramatic shadows across the marble floors of the estate. He walked calmly to the nearest bathroom, washing the blood from his tattooed knuckles with cold water. He dried his hands, slipped his tailored suit jacket back on, and adjusted his cuffs.
He had the location of the offshore ledgers, the security codes to the Hale family compound, and the names of the corrupt politicians backing their syndicate. Marcus had broken completely, and Bianca had passed out from sheer terror hours ago.
Vittorio walked up the grand staircase and headed straight for his private suite.
He knocked softly on the heavy steel door. "Emma. It is me."
The deadbolts clicked open instantly. Emma stood in the doorway, offering a respectful nod. "She is sleeping, sir. She had two plates of pancakes and a very long bath. I found some of her old, clean pajamas in the back of the closet."
"Thank you, Emma," Vittorio murmured, stepping into the room.
The suite was warm and quiet. Vittorio walked over to the massive, plush bed. Lucy was curled up in the center, wearing soft, pink pajamas, clutching a small stuffed bear. Her fair, rosy cheeks were clean, the dirt and grime completely washed away. She looked peaceful, entirely unaware of the apocalyptic violence her father was preparing to unleash upon the city to protect her.
Vittorio sat gently on the edge of the mattress. He reached out and stroked her hair, his cold, intimidating eyes softening into a look of profound, unconditional love.
"I will never let anyone hurt you again, my little bird," Vittorio whispered into the quiet room. "I will burn this entire world down to keep you safe."
He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. He stood up, taking one last look at his sleeping daughter, and turned toward the door.
"Emma," Vittorio said quietly, stopping near the exit. "Lock this door behind me. Do not open it until I return. The estate is going into full lockdown mode."
"Are they coming here, Mr. Romano?" Emma asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"They won't have the chance," Vittorio stated coldly. "But precautions must be taken. If you hear anything, take her into the panic room behind the bookcase."
"I understand. Good luck, sir," Emma said.
Vittorio stepped out into the hallway, the heavy steel door locking securely behind him. He walked down the corridor, his deeply masculine, intimidating presence returning in full force. The father was gone; the Mafia Boss had returned.
He met Elias in the main foyer. The underboss was dressed in dark tactical gear, holding a suppressed automatic rifle. Behind him, fifty of the most elite, heavily armed enforcers in the Romano syndicate stood at attention.
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"The strike teams are in position across the city, Boss," Elias reported, his eyes gleaming with adrenaline. "It's 11:45 PM. We are awaiting your final command."
"Load up," Vittorio commanded, his voice a low, lethal hum that carried across the silent foyer. "We head straight for the Hale family compound. I am taking the Don's head myself."
