Chapter 8 - THE BETRAYAL REVEALED
I frantically searched the safe room control panel for an override button.
I couldn't just sit here while Marco walked Lorenzo into a trap!
I found an emergency release lever near the control screen and pulled it with all my strength.
The heavy steel door unlocked with a loud hiss of pressure.
I stepped back out into Lorenzo’s study.
The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder and smoke.
I moved quietly through the hallway, avoiding the bodies scattered across the floor.
I made my way toward the grand staircase overlooking the main foyer.
Below, Lorenzo was standing alone, surrounded by half a dozen downed enemies.
He was bleeding from a graze on his shoulder, his breath ragged as he reloaded his weapon.
Suddenly, Marco stepped out from the shadows behind Lorenzo, raising his gun at Lorenzo’s back.
“It’s over, Lorenzo,” Marco said loudly, his voice echoing through the vast room.
Lorenzo froze, turning his head slowly toward his brother.
“Marco?” Lorenzo asked, his tone surprisingly flat. “What are you doing?”
“Fixing this family!” Marco sneered. “You’ve grown soft!”
“First you bring this woman here, throwing away our focus, and now you demand complete loyalty!”
“The Romanos offered me half the city if I put a bullet in your head tonight.”
“You traded your own blood for copper coins?” Lorenzo asked coldly, his eyes darkening.
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“She was right about you,” Marco sneered, tightening his grip on the trigger. “You’re weak!”
“MARCO, NO!” I screamed at the top of my lungs from the balcony above.
