Chapter 7 - The Thread in the Dark
The news of an impending tactical strike sent a wave of electric tension through the Rossi estate.
Within thirty minutes, the entire estate was placed on maximum lockdown. Heavy steel security shutters descended over the ground-floor windows, and Dominic’s tactical guards moved into defensive positions along the perimeter walls.
Inside the secure lower study, Vincent stood behind his heavy oak desk, reviewing the tactical defense plan with Dominic.
Clara sat in a leather armchair near the fireplace, holding a cup of hot tea, while Matteo sat beside her, drawing quietly on his sketchpad.
"Sir Arthur Sterling has been trying to expand his European network into North America for five years," Vincent explained, pointing to a map on his desk. "Julian promised him control of our Chicago shipping docks in exchange for fifty million dollars and a safe haven in London."
"Why hit the estate now, Boss?" Dominic asked, adjusting his earpiece. "If Julian has the money, why bring a tactical team here?"
Clara looked up from her tea, her sharp intelligence connecting the pieces. "Because of the second file on the memory card," she said softly.
Vincent and Dominic turned their heads toward her.
"The technician recovered eighty percent of the card data," Clara continued, standing up and walking toward the desk. "Elena recorded more than just Julian's voice. She recorded the master encryption codes for the Sterling Syndicate's offshore bank accounts in Zurich."
Vincent stared at Clara, a dark realization dawning on him. "If those codes are released to federal authorities, Sterling's entire European empire collapses in a single day."
"Exactly," Clara said. "They aren't coming here to rescue Julian. They're coming to destroy every piece of evidence, including anyone who knows the code."
Suddenly, the estate's central emergency lights flickered from warm white to deep crimson.
A loud, metallic thud echoed from the basement level, followed by the high-pitched wail of the perimeter breach alarms.
Dominic pulled his weapon instantly. "They cut the main power grid from the outer junction! Tactical team one, move to the basement service entrance!"
Vincent turned to Clara, grabbing her firmly by her shoulder with his massive, warm hand. His gray-blue eyes burned with an intense, protective fire.
"Take Matteo into the master panic room behind the wine cellar, Clara," Vincent commanded softly, his voice carrying absolute authority. "The door is four-inch reinforced titanium. Nobody gets through it."
"Vincent, come with us—" Clara began, worry etching across her features.
"I have to end this tonight, Clara," Vincent whispered, stepping closer to her, his large hand gently cupping her jaw, his thumb brushing her soft skin. "Keep my son safe. I will come back for both of you."
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Clara looked into his fierce, handsome face, feeling a deep, electric connection that made her heart skip a beat. "You better come back, Vincent Rossi."
Vincent offered a faint, breathtaking smile, kissed her forehead gently, and turned toward the door, pulling a heavy sidearm from his shoulder holster as he strode out into the red-lit hallway.
