Chapter 7
The name ‘Moretti’ hung in the quiet study like a death sentence. The Moretti syndicate was their most powerful rival, a family known for aggressive expansion and brutal tactics. For them to arrive at the Bellcroft estate uninvited, heavily armed, and on the eve of a major family wedding, was an undeniable act of war.
Lachlan’s expression did not change, but the artistic tattoos on his hands flexed as his fingers curled into fists.
“Are they demanding negotiations, or are they preparing to breach the perimeter?” Lachlan asked, his voice a low, vibrating hum of calculated violence.
“They claim they are here to collect on a debt, sir,” the Security Manager reported, glancing nervously at his tablet. “They say Clive Bellcroft promised them access to our shipping ports in exchange for their support in tonight’s coup. Since Clive failed, they are here to take the ports by force.”
Annalise gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth. Clive hadn't just tried to embarrass Lachlan; he had actively sold the family's most valuable assets to their greatest enemy to secure his own power. He had orchestrated a full-scale invasion.
“Did Clive truly believe the Morettis would honor a deal with a man foolish enough to get caught planting a watch?” Lachlan asked softly, almost to himself.
He turned his broad shoulders toward the Security Manager.
“Will you lock down the estate, engage the reinforced steel shutters, and mobilize the strike teams to the southern gates immediately?” Lachlan commanded.
“Yes, Boss. We are already positioning the snipers,” the older man said, turning swiftly and leaving the study to execute the orders.
Lachlan turned back to Annalise. The beautiful housemaid was trembling, her fair skin pale with terror. The reality of the mafia world had just violently crashed through the safety of the mansion's walls.
“Annalise. Will you go down to the secure bunker beneath the wine cellar and wait there until this is over?” Lachlan asked, his voice softening entirely as he looked at her.
“No,” Annalise said, shaking her head fiercely. She reached out, grabbing the lapels of his tailored dark suit. “Please, Lachlan. Don't go out there. They want a war. They will kill you.”
“Do you think I can allow an enemy to march onto my property and threaten the people I love without consequence?” Lachlan asked, his dark eyes burning with an intense, unwavering devotion.
“I don't want you to die for this,” she sobbed, burying her face against his chest.
Lachlan wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly against him. He kissed the top of her neatly pinned hair, his heart aching at the fear in her voice.
“Did you honestly believe a man who finally found something worth living for would allow himself to be killed by a rival syndicate?” Lachlan whispered fiercely into her hair. “I will come back to you. I promise you.”
He gently pulled her away, looking deep into her expressive eyes.
“Will you trust me?” he asked.
May you like
Annalise nodded slowly, wiping her tears. “I trust you.”
Lachlan gave her a brief, fierce smile. He turned on his heel and strode out of the study, heading directly into the chaos, leaving Annalise standing alone in the quiet, agonizing wait.
