Chapter 8 - The Queen’s Courage
The bullet didn't hit Luca.
In the fraction of a second before the gun fired, Clara had slammed her heavy oak table-top decoration into Valenti’s arm, knocking his aim wildly off course. The bullet shattered a pillar above their heads.
Luca didn't waste the opportunity. With lethal speed, he drew a hidden pistol from beneath his tuxedo jacket and fired three precise shots. Valenti dropped to the floor, disarmed and screaming in pain.
"Now!" Luca shouted.
The dark corners of the ballroom exploded into action as Luca’s true loyal guards, led by Arthur and Devlin, unleashed a barrage of fire upon the mercenaries. Within thirty violent seconds, the ambush was completely neutralized.
Viktor tried to run toward the broken terrace window, but Clara grabbed a heavy silver champagne bucket from a nearby table and swung it with all her strength, catching Viktor squarely across the side of his face.
CRACK!
Viktor collapsed onto the broken glass, unconscious and bleeding, his weapon sliding across the floor to Luca’s feet.
The silence that followed was heavy and absolute. The remaining guests slowly peeked out from beneath tables, stunned by what they had just witnessed.
Luca stood over the unconscious Viktor, then turned to Clara. She was breathing heavily, her hair slightly messy, holding the silver champagne bucket like a weapon, standing strong and defiant over the traitorous Underboss.
Luca walked up to her, his heart pounding in his chest—not from the gunfight, but from awe.
"You saved my life," Luca breathed, dropping his gun and taking her hands in his. "You fought for me."
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"I told you," Clara said, her voice shaking slightly as the adrenaline began to fade. "I protect the people I care about."
Luca pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply in front of the entire surviving high society of the city. The socialites who had mocked Clara minutes earlier now stared at her in utter shock and respect. She wasn't just a former maid; she was the lioness who had saved the Mafia King.
