Chapter 7 - The Trap Snaps Shut: Betrayal Caught on Camera
Damien Rizzo moved swiftly through the rain-soaked gardens.
He had packed a small bag with cash and untraceable passports.
He just needed to make it to the rear security gate where a Moretti car was waiting for him.
He checked his watch.
Marcus should have finished the maid by now.
That would keep Alessandro distracted in the medical wing long enough for Damien to vanish.
He reached the heavy iron gates.
"Open it," Damien ordered the guard stationed inside the booth.
The guard didn't move.
"I said open the damn gate!" Damien barked.
Suddenly, the floodlights illuminating the garden snapped on, blinding him.
Damien shielded his eyes, reaching for his weapon.
"I wouldn't do that, Damien."
Alessandro stepped out from the shadows of the hedges.
Behind him stood Vincent and a dozen heavily armed loyalists.
Damien froze, realizing he was completely surrounded.
"Alessandro," Damien said, forcing a nervous smile. "What is this? I was just doing a perimeter check."
"With a bag full of cash and passports?" Alessandro asked dryly.
Vincent stepped forward, furious.
"You tried to frame me, you piece of shit. You left my bracelet in the laundry room."
Damien realized the game was over.
The mask of loyalty dropped, replaced by bitter anger.
"You're soft, Alessandro!" Damien spat.
"Since your father died, you've turned this family into a legitimate corporation! We're monsters, Boss! But you want to play businessman. The Morettis are willing to do what it takes to rule this city."
Alessandro walked slowly toward him.
"My father built this empire on respect. You are trying to sell it out of greed."
"And what are you doing?" Damien mocked.
"Protecting a maid? Playing daddy to a bastard child? You're weak, Alessandro. That little girl walks into your meeting and you drop everything. You've lost your edge!"
Alessandro stopped three feet away from his former friend.
"You made two mistakes, Damien."
"Oh yeah? What were they?"
"First, you underestimated my intelligence."
Alessandro pulled out his phone and pressed a button.
The speakers around the perimeter booth cracked to life, playing an audio recording of Marcus confessing everything.
Damien’s face went pale.
"And your second mistake?" Alessandro’s voice dropped to a deadly whisper.
"You hurt my family."
The word hung in the air.
Family.
Not staff. Not employees.
Alessandro Viscari had just claimed Clara and Sophie as his own.
May you like
Damien sneered and suddenly pulled his gun, aiming wildly at Alessandro.
But he was too slow.
