Chapter 8 - The Price of Treason
Victor’s admission hung in the stagnant air of the dining hall like an inescapable death sentence.
"She was just supposed to be injured?"
The words came from Luca. He didn't shout. He didn't roar in rage. His voice was deathly calm—a terrifying, quiet storm that commanded absolute dread.
Luca slowly rose from his seat. At his full height, his broad frame towered over the table. He gently placed his hand atop Sophie’s head, shielding her from the spectacle, his dark eyes locking onto Victor Hale with lethal composure.
"Eight years of lies end tonight, Victor," Luca said softly.
Victor lunged forward, grabbing a steak knife from the table in sheer desperation. "I built this empire while you cried in your bedroom!" Victor shrieked, losing his mind entirely. "You owe me! Everything you have is mine!"
Before Victor could take two steps, the two security guards at the door moved with military speed. They disarmed Victor in a second, twisting his arm behind his back and slamming him face-down onto the cold marble floor. The silver knife clattered uselessly under the sideboard.
Marco attempted to sprint toward the rear garden exit, but the grand mahogany double doors were suddenly kicked open from the outside.
Flashing red and blue lights illuminated the pouring rain in the driveway.
A squad of state detectives and uniform police officers marched into the dining room, their badges shining under the chandeliers. At the front was Detective Ramirez, a veteran investigator from the state homicide division.
Marco froze mid-stride, raising his hands in utter defeat as officers immediately tackled him to the floor, forcing his wrists into steel handcuffs.
"Victor Hale, Marco Moretti," Detective Ramirez announced, pulling out a warrant. "You are under arrest for the premeditated murder of Alessandra Moretti, corporate embezzlement, and witness intimidation."
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👉 How did the police arrive so quickly, and what secret had Luca been hiding behind his silence?
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