Chapter 5 - The Gathering Storm
Dawn broke over the Moretti estate, washing the harbor in a pale, cold grey light. Inside the master study, the atmosphere was absolute zero. Mia was resting safely under armed guard, and little Harper was asleep in a secure room, comforted by the promise that her mother was found.
Dante sat behind his massive mahogany desk, cleaning the slide of a customized Beretta with rhythmic, mechanical precision. Every instinct honed over decades of betrayal and bloodshed screamed for immediate, unrestrained retaliation. Yet, cold tactical brilliance prevailed. A coup of this magnitude could not be solved with a simple bullet in the dark; it required a complete dismantling of the web Victor and Victoria had meticulously spun.
Victor Romano entered the study at precisely seven o'clock, carrying two cups of black coffee just as he had done every morning for a decade. His smile was easy, his posture relaxed, exuding the effortless charm of a loyal brother sharing a quiet moment before the day's business.
“Morning, boss,” Victor said, setting the cup down. “Rough night? I heard some commotion down by the west wing, security acting a bit jumpy.”
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Dante did not look up immediately. He continued sliding the metal piece into place with a sharp, echoing click.
“Very rough, Vic,” Dante replied softly, his voice devoid of all warmth. “In fact, it feels like the whole foundation of this house is rotting from the inside out. Let’s talk about family loyalty.”
