Chapter 6 - the unbroken bloodline
The revelation hung in the quiet harbor vault like a physical blow.
Damon stood motionless, his massive frame rigid, his gray-blue eyes fixed on three-year-old Mia.
Four years ago, Damon’s younger sister, Clara Moretti, had vanished without a trace during a corporate trip to Europe. For four years, Damon had believed Clara abandoned the family. Now, this legal document proved that Clara had been murdered by Silas, but her newborn daughter had been saved from the flames by a loyal worker.
Mia was Damon’s biological niece.
Damon slowly lowered himself onto one knee before the three-year-old girl. He reached out with his large, tattooed hand, gently touching her long brown curly hair.
"Mia..." Damon whispered, his voice cracking with pure, unadulterated emotion.
Mia looked into his piercing blue eyes, tilting her head innocently. "Are you sad, Mr. Damon?"
"No, sweetie," Damon said, a tear escaping his eye and falling into his thick dark beard. "I am so happy. You are my family, Mia. You are my niece."
Mia smiled brightly, wrapping her small arms around his neck, burying her face into his black suit collar. Damon wrapped his massive arms around her fragile frame, pulling her tightly against his heart, a fierce, protective devotion filling his soul.
Alina watched them, weeping quietly with a profound sense of relief and joy.
Damon stood up, turning to Alina, taking her hands into his large, warm grip.
"You raised my sister's daughter, Alina," Damon said softly. "You protected her for four years while living in fear. You and Mia will never be alone again."
Alina looked into his handsome face, feeling the walls of terror she had carried for four years crumble into dust. "Thank you, Damon."
Suddenly, the heavy steel door of the depository vault swung open.
May you like
Standing in the doorway, flanked by four heavily armed mercenaries, was Silas Moretti. He held a sleek black handgun, a cruel, triumphant smile stretching across his wrinkled face.
"How touching," Silas sneered, stepping into the room. "The big boss found his long-lost niece. But unfortunately, none of you are leaving this vault alive."
