Chapter 8 - The Shadow in the Vault
Before Damiano could ask another question, the estate's heavy red alarm sirens began to wail through the corridors. The high-tech emergency lighting flickered to life as gunshots echoed from the outer perimeter wall.
"Breach at the south gate!" Marco reported over his earpiece, drawing his weapon instantly. "It's a strike team—heavily armed mercenaries using tactical gear!"
Damiano didn't hesitate. Pulling a silver-plated pistol from his desk drawer, he sprinted down the hallway toward the guest wing.
He reached the suite just as two masked intruders kicked through the balcony doors, glass shattering across the hardwood floor. Sophia screamed, throwing her body over Emma on the bed to shield her child from danger.
Damiano stepped into the room with lethal speed, firing three precise shots that dropped both attackers before they could raise their weapons.
He rushed to the bed, pulling Sophia and Emma into his broad arms, holding them firmly against his chest as heavy smoke filled the room.
"Are you hit?" Damiano demanded, his blue-gray eyes searching Sophia’s face with intense concern.
"We're okay... we're okay," Sophia sobbed, her hands clutching his dark suit jacket.
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Emma reached out with her small hand, touching Damiano’s jaw gently. "You saved us, Mr. Damiano."
Damiano held the child close, a fierce, protective instinct sweeping through him. He realized then that he would destroy the entire city before letting anyone harm this little girl or her mother.
