Chapter 10 - major reveal
Victor didn't lower his weapon by a millimeter. His eyes locked onto his brother, taking in every detail of Julian’s return.
"Julian," Victor said, his voice steady as rock. "You were banished five years ago."
"And I spent every day of those five years planning this evening," Julian replied smoothly, stepping past Marco. "Sal Moretti didn't organize this raid, Victor. I organized it. Sal is just my muscle."
"Why?" Victor asked.
"Because our father’s original syndicate charter states that if a Don raises an illegitimate heir, the leadership passes automatically to his nearest living male relative," Julian explained, tapping his chest with his thumb. "Me."
Victor let out a cold, low laugh. "You think Ellie is illegitimate?"
"She’s Sal Moretti’s biological daughter!" Julian shouted, his calm facade cracking. "We have the original hospital logs! We have the blood panel!"
"You have half the truth, Julian," Victor said, stepping forward until the barrel of his gun was six inches from Julian's forehead. "Ellie is Sal's biological child. Mia is Clara's biological child. But eight years ago, before she died, Clara legally adopted Sal's infant daughter in a sealed court proceeding in upstate New York!"
Julian froze, his jaw dropping slightly. "What?"
Victor pulled a stamped blue legal document from his tactical vest—a document he had recovered from his father's safe hours earlier.
"Clara knew Sal would try to destroy our family," Victor revealed, his voice echoing in the corridor. "So she legally filed adoption papers for Ellie three days after she was born! Under New York law and syndicate charter, Ellie is my legitimate, legally recognized daughter and sole heir! Her bloodline status doesn't matter!"
Julian stared at the blue document in absolute shock, his hand beginning to shake on his weapon. "No... no, that's impossible!"
"The adoption papers were sealed by Dr. Vance to protect Ellie from Sal," Victor continued, stepping closer. "Which means your entire coup is built on a legal lie."
"It doesn't matter!" Julian screamed, raising his gun. "I'll kill you right here and take the estate by force!"
Before Julian could pull the trigger, Marco reacted with lightning speed. He lunged sideways, slamming his heavy elbow into Julian’s ribs and knocking the gun from his hand.
The weapon clattered across the concrete floor.
Victor moved instantly, delivering a devastating right hook across Julian’s jaw that sent his brother crashing hard against the brick wall. Julian slumped to the floor, unconscious.
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Marco pulled his sidearm and pointed it down at Julian. "I was cutting the camera feeds so Julian's men couldn't track where you put the girls, Don Victor."
Victor looked at Marco, nodding once. "Good work, Marco. Now let's eliminate Sal's mercenaries."
