Chapter 3 - The Fifteen Men
Adrian’s grip tightened imperceptibly, his jaw clenching until the muscles in his neck strained against his open collar.
"I told you never to leave the perimeter without an escort," Adrian said, his tone devoid of anger toward her, filled only with dangerous focus. "Who ambushed you?"
Elena swallowed hard, her chest heaving under her white apron. She looked directly into Adrian’s dark eyes, seeing the terrifying storm brewing behind his calm composure. Behind them, the guards by the fireplace stood like statues, knowing that a single word from Elena would trigger a bloodbath across New York.
"There were fifteen of them..." Elena whispered in absolute terror, the memory sending shivers down her spine. "They wore brass knuckles with silver crests... sent by the rival crews from the North. They took the chest, broke my arm, and told me to deliver a message to you."
Adrian slowly stood up, releasing her wrist gently. He towered over her, his eyes turning into an ice-cold mask of deadly, unwavering resolve.
"What message?" Adrian asked, his voice barely louder than a breath.
"They said..." Elena hesitated, her voice breaking. "They said the Valenti family is weak now... and that this was just a small taste of what they’ll do to everyone under your roof."
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A heavy silence descended upon the library. The rival syndicates had not merely assaulted a defenseless young woman; they had committed the ultimate transgression by breaking into Valenti territory and harming someone under the Don's personal protection.
👉 Keep reading to see how Don Valenti responds to the threat.
