Chapter 24
The command center monitors displayed detailed schematics of the Ravelli shipping routes, financial networks, and, chillingly, the security layouts of the main estate. The Architects had been preparing a highly coordinated, multi-pronged attack to cripple Lorenzo’s empire.
"They were thorough," the tactical commander noted, reviewing the decrypted files. "They planned to hit our primary ports while simultaneously hacking our offshore accounts."
"They underestimated our response time," Lorenzo stated coldly, his dark eyes scanning the data. "Download everything. I want to know exactly who funded this operation."
As the operatives worked, Lorenzo’s encrypted phone buzzed. It was the secure line reserved exclusively for his head of estate security.
"Speak," Lorenzo commanded, a sudden, icy knot forming in his stomach.
"Mr. Ravelli, we have a situation at the estate," the security chief reported, his voice tight with adrenaline. "A localized EMP charge was detonated near the south gate. The perimeter cameras and electronic locks are down. We are operating on backup generators, but we have multiple unknown hostiles breaching the grounds."
The warehouse in the city had been a distraction. A sophisticated, deadly feint. The true target was the estate.
The blood in Lorenzo’s veins turned to liquid nitrogen. The image of Sofia and the triplets, sleeping in the nursery, flashed in his mind.
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"Lock down the interior panic rooms immediately," Lorenzo roared, the terrifying, controlled volume of his voice echoing in the warehouse. "If they breach the main house, authorization is lethal force. I am ten minutes away."
Lorenzo didn't wait for a response. He sprinted toward the armored SUV idling outside, the tactical gear heavy against his broad shoulders. The European coalition hadn't just declared war; they had made it profoundly personal. And they were about to discover exactly why the Ravelli name was feared across the globe.
