Chapter 18 - The Red Banquet
|
The reception was held in the grand ballroom of the Leone-owned luxury hotel across the street. It was a masterpiece of opulence, dripping in red roses and crystal.
The tension was suffocating. The guests drank champagne, but their eyes constantly darted toward the exits.
Nadia sat at the head table beside Dante, the heavy silk of her dress pooling around her chair. Don Rizzo and his remaining lieutenants sat at a table near the center of the room, isolating themselves from the rest of the families.
“He’s making his move,” Dante murmured, taking a slow sip of wine. “Leo gave the signal. Rizzo’s men are trying to jam the service elevator doors to let an assault team in.”
“Are we ready?” Nadia asked, her voice remarkably calm.
“We have been ready since you put on that dress,” Dante smiled darkly.
The music suddenly cut out.
Don Rizzo stood up, kicking his chair back. He drew a heavy revolver, pointing it directly at Dante.
“This farce ends now!” Rizzo roared. “You insult us with this peasant whore! The Leone empire belongs to the strong!”
At his command, twenty of Rizzo’s men embedded in the crowd drew their weapons, aiming at the head table.
Screams erupted. Guests dove under the tables.
But Dante’s men didn't panic. They had been waiting.
From the balconies above, a dozen Leone snipers revealed themselves, their red laser sights dropping instantly onto the chests of Rizzo’s men.
“Nobody move!” Leo bellowed through a megaphone from the mezzanine.
Dante stood up slowly, pushing his chair back. He didn't draw a weapon. He didn't need to.
“You are surrounded, Rizzo,” Dante stated coldly. “Drop the gun, and I will let your men walk out alive. But you stay.”
May you like
Rizzo laughed wildly, his eyes wide with desperate madness. “I’m not leaving without your head, Dante!”
He pulled the trigger.
