Chapter 5 - The gathering storm
The following evening, the Caruso estate was transformed into a blinding display of wealth and power. Crystal chandeliers blazed with light, illuminating the grand ballroom where hundreds of wealthy, dangerous men and their glamorous wives gathered. Expensive champagne flowed, and classical music masked the quiet, deadly politics being discussed in the shadows.
Dominic stood at the top of the grand staircase, surveying his empire. He wore a flawless black tuxedo, his presence commanding absolute respect and fear from everyone in the room. But his mind was not on the syndicate bosses. His mind was on the woman and child locked in the subterranean bunker three floors below.
Silas stood near the champagne tower, entertaining a group of visiting captains. Dominic watched his underboss carefully. Silas looked entirely too relaxed, sipping his drink and laughing at a joke. It made Dominic’s blood run cold. A predator was only that calm when the trap was already set.
Dominic subtly caught the eye of his most trusted personal guard, Leo. He gave a sharp, imperceptible nod. Leo discreetly made his way toward the east wing to check on the bunker.
Ten minutes later, Leo returned. He moved quickly through the crowd, his face pale and tight with panic. He leaned in close to Dominic’s ear.
“Boss,” Leo whispered urgently. “The bunker is empty. The steel door was overridden from the main security hub. Hannah and the baby are gone.”
Dominic’s heart stopped. The frighteningly calm facade of the billionaire boss shattered. Pure, unadulterated terror and blinding rage surged through his veins. He looked across the ballroom. Silas was gone.
Dominic didn't hesitate. He abandoned the gala, sprinting through the private corridors of his own home. He drew a heavy tactical weapon from a hidden wall compartment, his tailored suit jacket flying open as he raced toward the security hub.
He kicked the heavy door of the control room open. The room was empty, the monitors flashing with a terrifying message: SECURITY OVERRIDE. PERIMETER GATES LOCKED.
Silas hadn't just taken Hannah and Grace. He had locked down the entire estate, trapping Dominic inside his own fortress while he made his escape with Julian’s heirs.
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Dominic ran to the window. In the heavy, pouring rain outside, he saw a single black SUV speeding toward the rear service exit—the only gate that didn't run on the electronic grid.
“Leo!” Dominic roared into his earpiece. “Get the cars! We are hunting him down tonight!”
