Chapter 7 - The Gathering Storm
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Night fell quickly over New York, bringing a thick fog that rolled in off the river, wrapping the Caruso estate in a shroud of gray mist.
Inside, the mansion was on high alert. Armed men in black suits were discreetly positioned at every entrance, their weapons hidden beneath tailored jackets.
In the second-floor nursery, Maria was tucking Lucy into a large canopy bed.
“Is Uncle Nicholas coming to say goodnight?” Lucy asked sleepily, clutching her stuffed bear.
“He’s very busy tonight, sweetheart,” Maria whispered, brushing a curl from her daughter's forehead. “Close your eyes now.”
“I like it here, Mama,” Lucy murmured, her voice growing heavy with sleep. “Nobody hurts us here.”
Maria kissed her cheek, tears stinging her eyes. “I know, baby. I know.”
Stepping out into the hallway, Maria found Nicholas standing by the grand staircase, speaking hushed tones to Marco.
“...keep two men on the perimeter,” Nicholas was saying. “If Vance’s scouts push past the outer gate, don't shoot to kill immediately. I want Vance alive.”
“Understood, boss,” Marco nodded before turning down the corridor.
Nicholas turned to find Maria watching him. He walked over, his dark eyes searching her face.
“She’s asleep?” he asked softly.
“Yes,” Maria replied. “Nicholas... please be careful. Vance is a coward, but he’s ruthless. He brought six men with him when he came for my husband.”
“This isn't Jersey, Maria,” Nicholas said, reaching out to gently brush a thumb against her cheek. “This is my kingdom. In New York, Vance is nothing more than a stray dog that wandered into the wrong alley.”
Before Maria could reply, the main power suddenly cut out.
The mansion plunged into absolute darkness.
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Maria gasped, instantly reaching for Nicholas in the gloom. His strong hand caught hers, pulling her behind his solid frame.
A second later, the sharp crack of breaking glass echoed from the ground floor.
