Chapter 9 - The Reckoning of Vance
CRACK!
The heavy brass valve shattered under the bullet's impact.
A thundering torrent of high-pressure water and industrial foam burst from the overhead pipe, slamming into Vance and his six mercenaries with brutal force. The sudden deluge knocked the gunmen off their feet, washing their assault rifles across the slick concrete floor.
Dante charged through the water like an unstoppable warlord. He disarmed the first two mercenaries with swift, devastating strikes, then grabbed Vance by his collar, lifting the fifty-five-year-old crime lord off his feet and slamming him against the damp stone wall.
Vance choked, gasping for air, tears of terror mixing with the cold water streaming down his face. "Dante... wait! The Commission... we can share the foundation!"
"The foundation belongs to Alina Valdez, Vance," Dante growled, his deep voice echoing off the stone walls like thunder. "And you are finished in Chicago."
Frank and ten elite Rosselli enforcers burst into the subterranean corridor from the secondary stairwell, their weapons drawn, sweeping the remaining mercenaries into custody.
Frank slapped heavy steel handcuffs onto Vance's wrists, dragging the ruined rival Don toward the waiting police vehicles above.
Dante turned back to the vault entrance.
Alina walked out into the corridor, holding baby Leo close. The baby boy was clapping his small hands happily, giggling as the water splashed around their feet.
Dante walked up to them, his burgundy suit soaked, his hair wet, looking at Alina with intense, unyielding devotion.
He reached out, pulling Alina and baby Leo into his broad, muscular arms, wrapping them flush against his chest in an eternal, protective embrace.
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Alina buried her face against his shoulder, holding his soaked jacket tightly as tears of joy flowed down her cheeks.
"It's over, Alina," Dante whispered into her hair. "You're safe now. Both of you."
