Chapter 20 - A Shadow in the Snow
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Six months later.
The spring thaw had melted the snow away, and the Marchetti empire was thriving like never before. Adeline had reorganized the syndicate's finances into completely legitimate real estate and international shipping, effectively making Enzo the most powerful, legally untouchable billionaire in the state.
Their wedding was only a week away. The grandest cathedral in Chicago had been rented out, and preparations were flawless. Adeline sat in the penthouse garden, sipping tea as she reviewed the final guest list. She wore a breathtaking diamond ring that caught the afternoon sun.
Luca walked out onto the terrace. He looked hesitant, a stark contrast to his usual stoic demeanor.
"Adeline," Luca said quietly. "A package just arrived at the front gate. The guards scanned it for explosives. It's clean, but... it was delivered by a private courier. Unmarked."
Adeline frowned, setting her tea down. "Bring it here."
Luca handed her a small, sleek black velvet box. There was no return address.
Adeline carefully opened the lid. Inside, resting on a bed of black silk, was a single, perfectly preserved white rose.
But it wasn't just a rose. Pinned to the stem was a beautiful, antique silver hairpin—the exact same hairpin Adeline’s mother had worn before she mysteriously vanished when Adeline was just a child.
A small, handwritten note was tucked beneath the flower. The ink was blood-red.
You play the Queen well, little bird. But Chicago is a small pond. Enjoy your wedding. The real monsters are crossing the Atlantic.
- V.
Adeline stared at the note, a sudden chill running down her spine despite the warm spring air. She closed the box with a sharp snap.
Enzo stepped out onto the terrace, smiling as he adjusted his cufflinks. "Everything alright, my love?"
May you like
Adeline slipped the note into her pocket and stood up, walking over to the man who would burn the world for her. She looked deep into his eyes, her strategic mind already locking into gear.
"Everything is perfect, Enzo," she smiled softly, resting her hand over his heart. "But we might need to buy more ammunition."
