Chapter 8 - The Traitor Within
The fragile peace in the study was violently shattered by the sharp, deafening pop of a silenced gunshot echoing through the corridor outside.
Instantly, Lorenzo transformed. The grief vanished, replaced with cold, lethal calculation. In a single fluid motion, he drew the heavy pistol from his holster, shoved Sophia and Emma behind his massive oak desk, and kicked the heavy mahogany chair over to create a makeshift barricade.
"Stay down. Do not move," Lorenzo commanded, his eyes locked on the heavy double doors.
Heavy footsteps pounded down the hallway, accompanied by the muffled sounds of a struggle and the wet thud of a body hitting the floor. Marco burst through the door, his suit jacket torn, blood staining his white shirt near his shoulder, holding an automatic weapon.
"Boss! We’ve been breached!" Marco gasped, slamming the heavy doors shut and throwing the deadbolt. "The eastern gate was bypassed. It’s Salvatore’s men. Someone inside gave them the access codes!"
Lorenzo’s face turned into a mask of pure, unadulterated fury. Salvatore—his oldest rival, a man he had spared during the Chicago gang wars three years ago. The realization hit him like a physical blow. The betrayal wasn't external; it was someone close. Someone who knew his routines, his security protocols, and his weaknesses.
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"How many?" Lorenzo asked coldly, cocking his weapon.
"At least a dozen," Marco panted, pressing his back against the wall near the door. "They bypassed the perimeter sensors. They’re coming up the service stairs right now. They want everything, Boss. And they know the child is here."
