Chapter 4 - Unmasking the Syndicate
The room fell into a terrifying silence. The air felt thin, heavy with the weight of impending death.
Vanessa’s cool demeanor cracked, a look of sheer panic flitting across her pristine face before she forced a laugh. "Gabriel, you can't possibly believe that! Silvio must have stolen my notebook! He’s trying to frame me!"
"Your family's personal seal is stamped on the inside cover, Vanessa," Gabriel said, his voice terrifyingly calm. "And these entries detail transaction dates from three years ago. Long before Silvio ever sat at this table."
Victor stepped toward Vanessa, his gun raised. "You were passing our shipping routes to the Morettis. That’s how they intercepted the shipment in Chicago last month."
"Shut up, Victor!" Vanessa shrieked, backing away toward the grand double doors. "Gabriel, think about what you're doing! My family funds your political protection! Without the Sterling foundation, the federal prosecutors will crawl up your spine within a week!"
"I would rather face federal prison than keep a viper in my bed," Gabriel said.
Vanessa looked around the room. None of the capos moved to defend her. Her eyes landed on Evelyn, standing beside Titan. A bitter, ugly smile twisted her lips.
"You ruined everything," Vanessa spat at Evelyn. "You pathetic little trash. You think he cares about you? You’re a maid! He uses people until they're broken, just like he broke that stupid dog!"
Titan let out a furious bark, taking a step toward her. Vanessa flinched back violently, bumping into the double doors.
Suddenly, the heavy doors burst open from the outside. Three armed men in dark tactical gear flooded the room—Moretti enforcers.
"Gabriel! Down!" Victor yelled, opening fire immediately.
A brutal firefight erupted in the grand dining room. Muzzle flashes lit up the dark oak walls, shattering antique mirrors and tearing through oil paintings. Gabriel grabbed Evelyn, throwing her behind the heavy oak head chair, using his body to shield her from flying plaster and bullets.
"Titan! Go!" Evelyn screamed, pointing at the lead gunman who was aiming at Gabriel’s exposed back.
Titan didn't hesitate. Despite his bad hip, the dog sprinted across the slick floor, leaping through the air and tearing the lead shooter to the ground. The man screamed as the gun discharged harmlessly into the ceiling.
Gabriel rolled, picked up a fallen weapon, and eliminated the remaining two attackers with precise, lethal efficiency.
When the thunder of gunfire finally ceased, thick gunsmoke filled the room. The chandelier swung crazily above, dropping shards of glass like rain.
Vanessa was gone. She had escaped into the secret passages behind the library during the chaos.
Gabriel stood amidst the ruin, his shirt stained with drywall dust and blood. He looked down at Evelyn, who was sitting on the floor, holding Titan close. The dog was panting heavily, bleeding slightly from a graze on his leg, but he was resting his snout against Evelyn’s neck, offering comfort rather than seeking it.
Gabriel walked over and knelt beside them. He reached out, his big, rough hand resting over Evelyn’s small, cold fingers.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice shaking with a rare, raw emotion.
"No," she whispered, looking up into his eyes. "Are you?"
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"I'm fine," Gabriel said softly. Then, for the first time since she had met him, Gabriel Romano smiled—a true, gentle smile that reached his dark eyes. "You and this dog are going to destroy my reputation as a terrifying man, Evelyn."
"Good," she murmured, a tired smile touching her lips. "You were terrible at it anyway."
