Chapter 7 - War in the PenthouseBy 3:00 AM, rain pounded violently against the glass exterior of the abandoned Hudson Yards skyscraper—Vincent’s primary stronghold.
I walked through the shattered glass front doors alone, wearing a black suit, carrying no body armor, holding only two loaded handguns. Behind me, forty of my most loyal operatives secured the perimeter, shutting down all escape routes.
I took the private elevator to the top floor penthouse.
When the doors slid open, I stepped out into a lavish glass room overlooking the glowing skyline of Manhattan.
Standing near the floor-to-ceiling windows was my uncle, Vincent Moretti.
Elena was tied to a chair beside him, a bruise forming on her cheek. And in the corner, guarded by two armed men, was Lila.
"Look at you, nephew," Vincent sneered, resting his hand on a gold-plated cane. "The great Luca Moretti, reduced to a desperate dog because of a woman and a illegitimate child."
"Luca..." Elena sobbed, her eyes filled with terror and desperate love.
Lila looked up at me, her little eyes fierce through her tears. "Dad! Don't let the bad man win!"
Hearing her call me Dad in front of the man who had tried to destroy us ignited a fire inside me that could scorch the earth.
"You took six years from me, Vincent," I said softly, stepping forward as rain whipped against the glass wall behind them. "You threatened my wife. You stole my daughter."
"I did what was necessary to protect the business!" Vincent barked, drawing a weapon and pointing it directly at Elena’s head. "You were weak! You were going to let love ruin your life! A real king doesn't have a heart, Luca!"
I didn't blink. I didn't tremble. I simply took another step forward.
"You're wrong, Vincent," I said quietly. "Love didn't ruin my life."
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I raised my gun with impossible speed.
"Love gave me a reason to finish yours."
