Chapter 4 - The Lockdown
"Lock the doors. No one leaves," Richard commanded.
The armed syndicate bodyguards stationed around the lodge moved instantly. The heavy deadbolts on the front doors slammed shut. The elite guests, understanding the lethal shift in the atmosphere, quickly backed away into the adjoining dining room, leaving the grand entrance hall completely empty except for the family.
Mark groaned, spitting blood onto the polished hardwood floor as he tried to push himself up from the wreckage of the decorative sleds. Claudia stayed curled against the overturned wrapping table, shaking uncontrollably, her hand pressed against her rapidly swelling cheek.
Richard completely ignored them. His only focus was the tiny, shivering boy wrapped in his massive overcoat.
He carried Noah over to the towering stone fireplace, kneeling gently on the plush rug. The mafia boss, a man who had ruthlessly dismantled rival cartels with his bare hands, displayed an unimaginable tenderness. He rubbed Noah’s small, frozen feet, desperately trying to bring the warmth back into the toddler's body.
"I've got you, piccolo," Richard murmured softly, kissing the top of Noah’s messy hair. "You're safe now. Grandpa's here."
Noah sniffled, his small hands gripping the lapels of Richard’s tailored suit. He looked at the handmade wooden airplane sitting on the rug next to them.
"Mommy helped me make it before she went away," Noah whispered innocently. "The pretty lady said it was garbage. She said I was garbage."
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Richard’s jaw locked so tightly the muscles visibly ticked beneath his skin.
👉 Richard had been told a completely different story about Noah, and the terrifying truth of his son's betrayal was about to be exposed.
