Chapter 3 - The Traitor WithinThe name hung in the air like poison.
Vince Moretti. Lorenzo’s second-in-command, a man who had sworn blood loyalty to the Duca family over a decade ago. A man who had eaten at their table, smiled at Isabella’s birthdays, and planned a massacre disguised as a celebration.
“Vince left twenty minutes before the party started,” Marco muttered, unholstering his Glock. “He said he had to check on the outer security checkpoint.”
Lorenzo stood up slowly. The cold fury radiating from him was palpable enough to freeze water. He handed Isabella over to a trusted female guard. “Take her to the secure panic room in the east wing. Lock the steel doors and do not open them for anyone—not even me—unless I give you the specific family passcode.”
“Yes, boss,” the guard nodded, scooping Isabella up and rushing away.
Lorenzo turned back to Marco and the bomb disposal expert who had just sprinted into the hall with a portable containment kit.
“Disarm it,” Lorenzo commanded the technician.
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“I’m trying, sir, but the wiring is rigged to a secondary dead-man switch,” the technician stammered, his hands shaking as he hovered over the explosive case. “If I cut the wrong line, this whole wing goes up.”
“Then don’t cut the wrong line,” Lorenzo said coldly. He turned to Grace and Emma. “Marco, take them to the study. Keep them safe. If Vince’s plan fails, he’ll come back to tie up loose ends.”
