Chapter 9
With Thomas removed, the atmosphere on the pool terrace shifted from explosive violence to a cold, calculated military operation. The bright cinematic lighting highlighted the absolute control Valentina now wielded. She stood amidst the wreckage of the wedding, her dark-green gown heavy with water, but her posture remained impeccably regal.
She turned her attention to the remaining guests. The wealthy elite, the politicians, and the neutral Mafia associates were all clustered together, watching her with a mixture of awe and sheer terror.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Valentina announced, her voice projecting clearly over the gentle lapping of the pool water. "The wedding is permanently canceled. I apologize for the disruption to your afternoon."
No one dared to speak.
"The Hale family," Valentina continued, gesturing toward the groaning Vanessa in the DJ wreckage and the unconscious Marcus in the cocktail station, "has officially declared war on the Moretti syndicate by attempting to assassinate my heir. Anyone who stands with them, anyone who does business with them after today, will be considered an active enemy of my organization."
A ripple of nervous murmurs swept through the crowd. The message was clear: choose the winning side, or be buried with the losers.
"You may leave," Valentina commanded. "Leave your gifts. Leave your coats. Walk to your vehicles and go home. If any of you speak to the authorities regarding what transpired here today, my men will pay you a personal visit before the week is out."
The guests didn't need to be told twice. A mass exodus began, a hurried, chaotic rush of formal wear and clicking heels as the elite society fled the terrace, desperate to escape the wrath of the Mafia boss.
Valentina watched them go, her face an unreadable mask. Once the terrace was cleared of civilians, she walked over to the bodyguards holding Ethan. The three-year-old was wrapped tightly in a dry towel, his lips returning to their normal rosy color.
"Are you okay, my sweet boy?" Valentina asked, her voice softening incredibly as she reached out to stroke his damp hair.
"I'm cold, Mommy," Ethan sniffled, leaning his head against her wet shoulder. "And I'm hungry."
Valentina let out a short, genuine laugh, the tension breaking for a fraction of a second. "I know, baby. We are going home right now. You can have whatever you want to eat."
She looked at her lead bodyguard. "Bring the cars to the front. We are leaving the estate."
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"What about them, Boss?" the bodyguard asked, pointing to Marcus and Vanessa.
"Zip-tie them," Valentina ordered coldly. "Throw them in the back of the transport vans. We will interrogate them at the warehouse before we send the pieces back to their father."
