Chapter 6 - A Shield of Iron and Silk
The heavy glass of the living room windows shattered as high-velocity rounds tore through the white drapery, scattering glass across the hardwood floor.
Four tactical operatives dressed in dark body armor and visors burst through the ruined frames, their assault rifles raised. They were the elite strike team of the Falcone family, led by Marcus, the traitorous security chief.
"Clear the room!" Marcus screamed, stepping through the broken glass with a shotgun in his hands. "Find Moretti! Don't let him reach the vault!"
Before Marcus could level his weapon, Adrian stepped out from behind a solid marble pillar.
He moved with the speed and lethal precision of a seasoned warlord. He fired three rapid, controlled shots. The two lead Falcone operatives collapsed to the floor before they could even adjust their aim.
The third operative lunged forward, but Titan burst into the room like a black cannonball. The massive dog leaped through the air, his powerful jaws locking onto the operative's tactical vest, dragging the man violently to the floor and disarming him in seconds.
Marcus backed away in sheer panic, raising his shotgun toward Adrian. "You were supposed to be dead, Moretti! The dose was enough to kill a horse!"
"You forgot one thing, Marcus," Adrian said coldly, taking a slow, unhurried step toward the traitor, his dark eyes burning with terrifying fury. "A Moretti doesn't die easily."
Adrian fired a single shot, striking Marcus's shoulder and sending the shotgun clattering onto the floor. Marcus crashed against the white sofa, clutching his bleeding collarbone, panting in terror.
Adrian walked over, standing over the traitor like an executioner. He kicked the shotgun away and pressed the warm barrel of his pistol against Marcus's forehead.
"Who ordered the hit?" Adrian growled softly.
"Don Falcone..." Marcus gasped out, sweat and blood dripping down his pale face. "He... he found out that Leo's child was alive! He knew if you ever discovered her, you would unite the remaining Moretti loyalists and wipe his family off the map! He paid me five million to eliminate you both today!"
Adrian’s jaw tightened into iron. He pulled a heavy pair of steel handcuffs from his vest pocket, tossing them to one of his surviving guards.
"Bind him," Adrian ordered flatly. "Throw him in the cell beside the wine cellar. He will answer for his treason after I finish with the Falcones."
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Outside, the sound of gunfire began to die down as Dante and the primary security detail retook the courtyard, neutralizing the remaining attackers.
Adrian adjusted his dark fedora, wiping a small smear of soot from his cheek. He turned toward the quiet corridor leading to the panic room, his heart aching to see his niece once again.
