Chapter 9 - Ghost from the Past
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The heavy oak front doors of the mansion were thrown open with such violent force that the sound cracked through the massive house like a cannon shot. Heavy, rapid footsteps pounded up the grand marble staircase.
Vanessa backed away from Mia, her entire body shaking uncontrollably. She looked like a trapped animal, darting her eyes toward the en-suite bathroom, searching for an escape route that simply didn't exist.
The bedroom door was kicked open.
Luca stood in the doorway. He was still wearing his tailored black suit, but his tie was ripped off and his collar was unbuttoned. He was breathing heavily, his chest heaving, but his dark eyes were completely dead. Behind him, four massive, heavily armed syndicate enforcers filled the hallway, blocking any possible exit.
Luca stepped into the room. He didn't look at Vanessa first. He walked directly to the bed. He looked down at his sister, taking in her tear-stained face, her trembling hands, and the sheer terror radiating from her fragile body. He gently reached out and brushed a strand of dark hair from Sofia’s forehead.
“Are you hurt?” he whispered, his voice incredibly soft.
“No,” Sofia choked out, gripping his sleeve. “Mia stopped her.”
Luca turned his head slowly, his lethal gaze finally falling upon Mia. He looked at the brave, terrified maid who had stood her ground against a monster.
“Thank you,” Luca said simply. It was a rare, profound expression of gratitude from a man who usually only dealt in commands.
Then, Luca’s eyes shifted to the bedside table. He stared at the dark brown medicine bottle resting next to the lamp. He didn't touch it. He simply gestured to one of the enforcers at the door.
“Bag it,” Luca ordered. “Call Dr. Evans. Have it tested immediately.”
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Finally, Luca turned his attention entirely to Vanessa. The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.
“Luca, please,” Vanessa sobbed, clasping her hands together. “She’s lying to you. They’re both lying!”
