Chapter 14 - The European Threat
Back at the Polanco estate, the medical team patched up a minor graze on Santiago’s arm while Matteo finally fell asleep upstairs, safely tucked into his own bed.
Elena paced the length of the library, her expression grim. “The Calabrian Syndicate,” she muttered, pouring herself a glass of amber whiskey. “I thought we cut ties with them twenty years ago when your father passed away, Santiago. If they are moving into Mexico, they aren't just looking for turf—they are looking for total annihilation of our assets.”
“They want the shipping routes, and they want the financial ledgers Lucía’s mother compiled,” Santiago said, pacing restlessly across the room. He stopped in front of me, his dark gaze softening as he looked down into my eyes. “You realize what this means, don't you? By standing with me tonight, you’ve tied your fate to the throne of this empire. They will never stop hunting you.”
“Then let them come,” I heard myself say, the fear inside me hardening into an unyielding resolve. “My mother died hiding from them. I am done running.”
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Santiago’s expression shifted—a flash of profound respect and fierce, burning devotion cutting through his usual stoicism. He reached out, lifting my chin with his fingers.
“Then we fight them together,” he whispered.
