Chapter 9 - The true bloodline
Julian took a step back, realizing the trap had closed around him. His fair skin turned completely pale. He looked at the armed guards stepping into the room, then back to his brother.
"You were going to ruin us, Vincent!" Julian shouted, dropping the facade. "You stopped the expansion! You refused the new territories! I was doing what was best for the family!"
"You were doing what was best for your greed," Vincent replied coldly. "Take him down to the holding cells. He doesn't see the sun until I decide his fate."
As the guards dragged a screaming Julian out of the office, Claire pulled Adeline closer, terrified of the violence of this world. She turned to leave, wanting to get her daughter as far away from the Mafia Boss as possible.
"Claire. Wait," Vincent said.
Claire froze, turning back to face him.
Vincent walked around his desk. He crouched down, his expensive suit creasing, until he was eye-level with the two-year-old girl. He looked at the stuffed green alligator, then at her soft light-brown hair.
"You think I let a maid and a child wander my secure corridors because of a clerical error, Marcus?" Vincent asked, not taking his eyes off Adeline.
Marcus frowned in confusion. "Boss?"
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Vincent reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a small, faded silver locket. He held it out. "Three years ago, the head of the rival Rossi family was assassinated. His entire bloodline was supposed to be wiped out. I was ordered to finish the job."
Claire gasped, tears welling in her eyes, her hands trembling uncontrollably.
