Chapter 9 - The ReckoningBefore Paulie could squeeze his trigger, Adrian’s Beretta barked twice.
The deafening crack of gunfire shattered the silent mansion. Paulie’s submachine gun flew from his hands as bullets punched cleanly through both of his shoulders, dropping him to his knees with a choked scream of agony.
From the balcony above, Marco and Sal opened fire.
It wasn't a prolonged firefight; it was an execution. Within thirty seconds, all six Chicago mercenaries were disarmed, zip-tied, and pinned face-down against the marble floor of the foyer.
Paulie groaned, blood pooling on the pristine white marble beneath him, his face twisted in pure terror as Adrian descended the remaining steps and stood directly over him.
“Take them to the docks,” Adrian ordered without looking back at his enforcers. “Put them on a boat back to Chicago. And tell their bosses that if any of them ever set foot in New York again, I won't just send them back in a boat—I’ll send them in pieces.”
As Marco and Sal dragged the whimpering mercenaries out into the cold night air, the heavy iron doors swung shut once more, returning the grand foyer to a profound, echoing silence.
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Adrian stood alone in the center of the room, breathing slowly. He holstered his weapon, ran a hand through his dark hair, and turned toward the private elevator leading down to the secure bunker.
It was time to check on Ellie.
