Chapter 18 - The Final Reckoning
Dominic’s helicopter touched down on the front lawn of Moretti Manor before its landing gear had even fully settled. He vaulted out of the cabin, leading a heavily armed team straight through the shattered glass doors of the east wing.
The second mercenary, realizing he had been outmaneuvered and cornered, tried to retreat toward the grand staircase, dragging a hostage—not Emily, but one of the housekeepers he had grabbed in the hallway.
"Drop your weapons or the woman dies!" the mercenary screamed, holding a pistol to the trembling housekeeper's head.
Dominic raised his weapon instantly, his aim dead-center on the man's chest. Not a single muscle in his body trembled. "Let her go. You take one more step, and you won't even feel the bullet."
"Boss! Don't shoot!" the mercenary panicked, his finger twitching on the trigger.
Before the hammer could fall, a shadow dropped silently from the upper landing rail. Marco, utilizing the second-floor balcony, landed squarely on the mercenary's back, driving him to the floor in a brutal tackle. The gun flew from the man’s hand, clattering across the marble tiles.
Dominic didn't hesitate. He strode forward, securing the perimeter, while Marco zip-tied the downed intruder.
Dropping his weapon to the floor, Dominic sprinted toward the library. The heavy steel vault door stood ajar. Emily stepped out into the hallway, holding sleeping baby Leo in one arm, with Ava right behind her clutching her hand.
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Dominic rushed forward, pulling Emily, Ava, and Leo into a crushing, desperate embrace. He buried his face in Emily’s neck, his voice trembling for the first time. "Are you alright? Did they touch you?"
"We're safe," Emily whispered, holding him tight. "We’re safe, Dominic. Because we protect each other."
