Chapter 8 - THE BETRAYAL WITHINMatteo’s expression hardened instantly, any trace of gentleness vanishing, replaced by the ruthless coldness of a syndicate leader. He drew a suppressed pistol from his shoulder holster with practiced ease.
"Lock down the east wing," Matteo ordered Leo, his eyes locked on Clara. "Keep her and the dog secure."
"No," Clara said, stepping forward. "Bianca hates me. If her men take the estate, I'm the first person they'll eliminate to get to you."
"Stay here, Clara. That is an order."
"I am not your employee anymore, Mr. Moretti! You ripped up my maid contract!" Clara fired back, grabbing a heavy iron fireplace poker from the hearth. "And I'm not hiding in a room while someone shoots up the place."
Matteo stared at her for a fraction of a second, a strange flash of respect—or perhaps madness—crossing his dark eyes. "Stay behind me. If you stray three feet away, Bruno will drag you back by your ankles."
The massive cane corso rose instantly to his feet, letting out a low, eager rumble as if he understood the assignment.
Together, Matteo, Clara, and Bruno sprinted down the dimly lit corridors of the grand estate. Gunfire echoed from the main atrium below—sharp, deafening cracks of silenced weapons shattering glass and splintering mahogany.
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As they reached the upper balcony overlooking the grand foyer, they saw Bianca Russo standing below, flanked by four heavily armed mercenaries wearing tactical gear. In Bianca’s hand was a heavy leather briefcase containing the syndicate’s master cryptographic drives.
"It's over, Matteo!" Bianca called out, her voice echoing off the marble pillars. "Your empire is built on sand. The council has voted, and you're finished!"
