Chapter 26
When Vincent returned to the heavily fortified Caruso compound, the night sky was crystal clear. He shed his tactical gear, quickly showering and changing into a fresh, crisp white shirt and dark trousers. He walked into the master suite, where Evelyn was sitting by the grand marble fireplace. The warm, flickering light illuminated her fair, rosy cheeks, highlighting the stunning beauty that had finally been restored. "The maritime threat is neutralized," Vincent said softly, kneeling beside her chair and taking her delicate hand in his tattooed ones. "The Europeans will not challenge us again." Evelyn looked at him, her eyes shining with a fierce, unbreakable resolve that mirrored his own. She was no longer the fragile, terrified victim hidden in the walls; she was the Queen of the undisputed American mafia. "You protected us, Vincent," Evelyn murmured, leaning forward to kiss his forehead. "But there is one final piece of business remaining. The old estate." Vincent’s expression hardened. He knew exactly what she meant. The sprawling mansion where Helena and Marco were still locked in the soundproof sub-basement. "I have not forgotten them," Vincent promised, his voice a low, vibrating hum of absolute finality.
