Chapter 7 - The Declaration of War
The aftermath of the attack left the Moretti estate on high alert. Armed guards patrolled every foot of the perimeter, and high-level syndicate capos gathered in Matteo’s war room.
Ava sat on the leather couch in the corner of the office, holding a mug of warm tea, watching Matteo command the room. He had changed into a clean black suit, his expression hardened like steel.
"Don Vance made a fatal mistake today," Matteo announced to his capos, his voice echoing off the wood-paneled walls. "He brought war to my doorstep. He put innocent civilians under my protection in danger. Tonight, we end the Vance syndicate forever."
"Boss," one of his senior lieutenants spoke up. "Celeste Vance is currently at the Grand Plaza Hotel celebrating what she thinks was a successful hit on your estate. She believes you are dead."
A cold, terrifying smile spread across Matteo’s face. "Good. Let her celebrate. We strike at midnight."
As the lieutenants bowed and filed out of the room to mobilize their forces, Matteo walked over to Ava. He knelt in front of her, resting his hands on her knees.
"You and Mila are being relocated to my private yacht in the harbor," Matteo told her softly. "It is guarded by my most trusted men. You will be completely safe there until I return."
"Are you going to kill them?" Ava asked, her voice trembling.
"I am going to eliminate a threat to our survival," Matteo corrected gently. "Ava... after tonight, everything changes. The Vance family will fall, and my position in this city will be absolute."
Ava reached out, her thumb gently tracing the sharp line of his cheekbone. "Just promise me you'll come back alive. Don't leave us alone."
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Matteo leaned into her touch, his eyes softening completely. "I have never had a reason to come back from a war before, Ava. Now... I have two."
He stood up, leaning down to press a soft, lingering kiss onto her forehead. "Wait for me."
