Chapter 18 - The Service Alley ConfrontationThe service alley behind the Duca Tower was cold, damp, and smelled of wet asphalt and urban exhaust.
When Alessandro pushed the heavy steel exit door open, the sharp wind whipped his white shirt against his broad shoulders. I stood right behind him, keeping Mia—who was resting safely in Sarah’s care upstairs—secure in my thoughts while my own heart hammered against my ribs.
Marcus Sterling spun around, dropping the heavy wrench with a loud, clattering echo against the concrete.
“Duca!” Marcus sneered, his face twisted in desperate, manic fury. “You think you won everything, don't you? You destroyed my family! You put my brother in a federal penitentiary over forged paperwork!”
Alessandro stepped forward, his massive frame radiating an aura of absolute, terrifying dominance.
“Your brother went to federal prison because he was a corrupt criminal who sold corporate secrets,” Alessandro said, his voice dropping into an arctic chill. “And you are currently trespassing on private property with a weapon. Are you entirely certain you want to finish this sentence?”
Marcus laughed hysterically, reaching into the large pocket of his heavy hoodie. “I have nothing left to lose! You took everything!”
Before Marcus could pull whatever was hidden in his pocket, shadows detached themselves from the brick walls on either side of the alley. Four massive private security operatives swarmed him instantly, tackling him to the cold concrete and kicking the hidden object—a heavy steel crowbar—clattering across the pavement.
Marcus thrashed and screamed as they slapped cold steel handcuffs around his wrists, dragging him roughly to his feet.
Alessandro didn't even flinch. He walked slowly over, looking down at Marcus with cold, unfeeling detachment.
“Tell your associates in whatever petty revenge club you formed that if anyone ever steps foot within five blocks of this tower again, I won't just hand them over to the federal marshals,” Alessandro said softly, each word landing like a hammer blow. “I will personally ensure they never work another day in this hemisphere.”
The guards hauled Marcus away toward the waiting security van, the heavy tires crunching against the wet gravel until the alley fell completely silent once more.
Alessandro stood in the cold wind for a long moment, breathing slowly. Then he turned around and saw me standing in the doorway.
He walked back over, stepping out of the cold wind and pulling me gently into his arms.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice suddenly softening with deep, undeniable concern.
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“I am,” I whispered, burying my face against his chest, breathing in the scent of cedar and clean linen. “I was just… worried about you.”
Alessandro chuckled softly, wrapping his arms securely around me. “Nobody touches this family, Claire. Nobody.”
