Chapter 16 - The Triplets Speak|
"Get them out!" Adrien roared, diving forward to draw the gunfire toward himself while returning fire with terrifying precision.
Evelyn didn't hesitate. She grabbed Mia in her arms, grabbed Leo and Noah by their hands, and scrambled up the side service ladder toward the wine cellar above.
Bullets ricocheted off the stone walls, sparks flying through the darkness.
Evelyn pulled the children through the hatch, slamming the heavy iron door shut behind them and throwing the bolt lock into place.
Down below, the sound of heavy gunfire, shouting, and breaking stone echoed through the floorboards.
Evelyn huddled with the triplets behind a massive oak wine barrel, holding them close as they wept.
"It's okay, it's okay," Evelyn whispered, tears running down her face. "Your daddy is fighting for you."
Minutes felt like hours in the dark basement. Slowly, the sound of gunfire faded away, replaced by a heavy, profound silence.
The iron hatch creaked open.
Evelyn pulled the children tighter, bracing for the worst.
Adrien stepped out of the hatch. His dark suit was torn, his shirt stained with blood and soot, but his eyes were bright, fierce, and focused entirely on his family.
Dominic's rogue faction had been completely eliminated.
Adrien dropped his weapon onto the floor and fell to his knees in front of his children.
Mia let go of Evelyn, ran forward with all her tiny strength, and threw her arms around Adrien's neck.
"Daddy!" Mia sobbed loudly, her voice ringing clear through the wine cellar. "Daddy, we missed you!"
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Leo and Noah rushed forward too, wrapping their arms around their father.
Adrien clutched his three children against his chest, burying his face in their hair, and for the first time in his ruthless life, the feared syndicate boss wept openly in the dark.
