Chapter 4 - The Debt of Blood
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Maria sank onto a wooden stool, her body trembling so hard she could barely hold herself upright.
“His name is Hector Vance,” she confessed, her tears finally overflowing. “He controls the syndicate in South Jersey.”
Nicholas stood still, his mind instantly cataloging the name. Hector Vance was a ruthless operator, known for loan sharking, extortion, and trafficking. A low-level hyena compared to the Caruso empire, but dangerous nonetheless.
“What is your connection to Vance?” Nicholas demanded.
“My late husband was his accountant,” Maria said, her voice barely audible. “Three years ago, my husband realized Vance was embezzling millions from his own lieutenants. When my husband tried to run with proof, Vance killed him. I was pregnant with Lucy.”
She looked up at Nicholas, her eyes raw with absolute horror.
“Vance kept me prisoner for two years,” she continued. “He wanted the ledgers my husband hid before he died. When Lucy was born, he threatened to sell her if I didn't hand over the encryption keys. I managed to escape eight months ago with the help of a sympathetic guard. I’ve been running ever since.”
Nicholas picked up the manila folder and tossed it into the nearby incinerator chute. The flames devoured it in seconds.
“Does Vance know you’re in New York?” Nicholas asked.
“I don't think so,” Maria whispered. “I changed my name. I stayed invisible. But Vivienne... when she threw my things out yesterday, she threatened to report me to the police for trespassing. If my name gets into any system, Vance’s informants will find us.”
At that moment, the kitchen door creaked open.
Lucy stood there, clutching a battered stuffed bear, her eyes wide as she looked between her mother and Nicholas. She wore a clean pink dress, and her little wrist was wrapped neatly in white bandage.
“Mama?” Lucy called out softly. “Is Uncle Nicholas angry?”
The cold aura surrounding Nicholas melted instantly. He crouched down, reaching into his pocket, and pulled out a small, golden wrapped chocolate.
“I’m never angry with you, little one,” Nicholas said, holding out the sweet. “Come here.”
Lucy hesitated for a second before running across the room, wrapping her uninjured arm around his neck. Nicholas lifted her easily, settling her onto his hip.
“Look at me, Maria,” Nicholas commanded over the toddler's hair.
May you like
Maria wiped her face and looked into the dark eyes of the mafia boss.
“Hector Vance will never touch you or your daughter,” Nicholas swore, his voice laced with absolute certainty. “If he wants Lucy, he will have to walk over my dead body. And trust me—nobody walks over me.”
