Chapter 4 - THE BLOOD TIESBy 3:00 AM, the safehouse was a hub of intense military activity. Dozens of Matteo’s men were equipping heavy armor, checking high-powered assault rifles, and preparing tactical gear.
I sat in a quiet room, cradling little Sophia. The infant slept soundly against my chest, her tiny breaths warm against my neck. Even amidst the storm of violence brewing around us, this little girl had given me back my purpose. Her existence had kept me alive on that plane, and in doing so, had led me back to the truth about my own sons.
Matteo walked into the room softly, his combat boots making no sound on the wooden floor. He looked at me holding his daughter, his expression softening for a fraction of a second.
"She trusts you," Matteo murmured, leaning against the doorframe. "Sophia hasn't slept this peacefully since she was born."
"She’s an innocent baby caught in a war she didn't ask for," I replied softly, stroking Sophia's soft hair. "Just like my boys."
Matteo walked over and sat on the edge of the bed near me. The stoic mafia king looked tired, carrying the weight of a blood-soaked empire on his shoulders.
"If we do this, Elena, there is no turning back," Matteo warned, his voice low and serious. "Once we strike Isle Royale, The Architect will unleash everything he has. The DOJ, corrupt politicians, rival syndicates—they will all come after us. You will never be able to return to your normal life."
"My normal life died three months ago," I said fiercely, looking up at him. "My life is with my children. I don't care if I have to run to the ends of the earth, as long as I have them in my arms."
Matteo stared at me for a long moment, a strange warmth flashing deep within his dark eyes.
"You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, Elena Rossi," he said quietly.
Suddenly, the red emergency lights inside the house began to flash wildly. A loud alarm wailed through the corridors.
The door burst open. Lev stood there, bleeding from a deep wound on his forehead.
"Boss! We’ve been compromised!" Lev yelled, racking his weapon. "Thermal signatures approaching from the perimeter! They’re inside the gates!"
Matteo stood up instantly, pulling a sidearm from his holster. "How did they bypass the perimeter grid?"
"It wasn't an external breach, Matteo," a voice echoed from the hallway speakers.
It was Nina's voice—but it sounded wrong. Cold. Victorious.
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"Nina?" Matteo growled into his radio. "What are you doing?"
"I’m securing my future, brother," Nina’s voice echoed back through the speakers. "The Architect offered me full control of the Volkov Syndicate in exchange for Elena and the key. Did you really think I’d let you ruin our family empire for a stranger and a dead accountant’s kids?"
