Chapter 4 - The Reason to Live
The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor spiked instantly.
"A daughter?" Dante choked out, his chest heaving under the blue sheets. He tried to sit up, wincing in agonizing pain, but his powerful, heavily tattooed arm reached out to grip Claire’s wrist. "Claire... is she mine?"
"Yes," Claire whispered, tears finally spilling down her fair, rosy cheeks. "Her name is Lily. She's four years old. She has your exact dark eyes."
Dante stared at her, the cinematic realism of the moment crushing him.
Five years ago, Dante had intentionally broken Claire's heart and walked away, believing he was protecting the innocent medical student from the violent, bloody reality of his mafia empire. He had no idea she was pregnant. Claire had raised Lily in absolute secrecy, knowing that if Dante’s enemies found out, they would use the child as leverage.
"I hid her to keep her safe," Claire explained, gently resting her gloved hand over his trembling fingers. "But you aren't safe, Dante. Serena was just at the nurse's station. She tried to order me to pull your life support. The ambush tonight... it wasn't a rival cartel. It was an inside job."
Dante’s sharp, rugged jawline locked into titanium.
The pieces of the horrific puzzle violently snapped together in his brilliant, lethal mind. Victor had known exactly what route Dante's motorcade was taking. Serena had suddenly demanded Dante update his Last Will and Testament just three days ago, leaving her complete control of his massive corporate empire.
They had plotted to assassinate him, planning to rule the city over his grave.
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"She's coming back into the room," Claire whispered frantically, hearing the heavy click of designer heels in the hallway.
👉 Dante formulated a brilliant, lethal plan in seconds, preparing to trap the monsters who tried to end his bloodline.
