Chapter 17 - The Turning Point
Back at Moretti Manor, the situation was far from helpless. When the second team of mercenaries had breached the east wing, Emily had not panicked. Memories of that terrifying night at Valentino’s restaurant flashed through her mind, but instead of paralyzing her, they fueled her fire.
She had quietly ushered Ava and baby Leo into the reinforced panic room behind the master library—a secure vault designed specifically for worst-case scenarios, complete with its own communication links and heavy steel door.
Inside the dimly lit vault, Ava gripped her mother’s hand tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Mommy, what's happening? Are the bad men here?"
"Listen to me, sweetie," Emily said, kneeling down and looking straight into her daughter's eyes with absolute calm. "Everything is going to be fine. Daddy is coming. But I need you to be very brave for me, okay? Keep Leo quiet and stay right here."
"What are you going to do?" Ava asked, terrified.
Emily picked up a heavy antique brass candlestick from the desk beside the vault door. "I'm going to make sure they regret ever stepping foot in our home."
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Outside the vault, heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway. The mercenaries were trying to pry open the library door with a crowbar. Emily stood just inside the shadows of the doorway, her breathing steady, her grip firm on the heavy metal object. When the door finally crashed open and the lead intruder stepped inside, flashlight beam sweeping across the room, Emily didn't hesitate. She swung with every ounce of strength she possessed, catching him square across the temple. The man dropped instantly.
Before the second intruder could react, Emily snatched the fallen man's radio and broadcasted directly to Dominic's incoming convoy: "East wing clear. One down, one at the main staircase. Hurry, Dominic."
