Chapter 8 - The Ultimate Sacrifice
Chaos erupted in the foyer as Julian's tactical team engaged the mercenaries.
The deafening roar of gunfire echoed off the marble walls.
Luca tackled Evelyn to the ground, ripping the tablet from her hands.
I did not waste a single second.
I sprinted down the staircase through the hail of bullets toward my children.
The mercenary holding Leo raised his rifle to shoot me.
Before he could pull the trigger, Julian fired a precise shot, dropping the man instantly.
I grabbed Leo and Mia, pulling them tightly against my chest.
"Close your eyes, babies!" I screamed, shielding their small bodies with my own.
The firefight was brutal, but Julian's surprise attack quickly overwhelmed Evelyn's forces.
Marcus tried to run out the front door, but a tactical operator tackled him to the ground.
The gunfire finally ceased, leaving a heavy silence ringing in my ears.
"Is everyone okay?" Julian yelled, lowering his weapon.
I nodded, crying tears of absolute relief into my children's hair.
Luca stood up, his foot planted firmly on Evelyn's back to keep her pinned.
He looked at me and the twins with an expression of profound gratitude.
"It is over, Nia," Luca whispered softly.
Suddenly, Evelyn pulled a small, hidden derringer pistol from her boot.
She aimed it directly at my back as I held the children.
"If I cannot have you, no one will!" Evelyn screamed wildly.
She pulled the trigger.
I heard the gunshot, but I did not feel the impact.
Luca had thrown himself violently in front of me.
The bullet struck him squarely in the chest, tearing through his tailored suit.
He collapsed backward onto the marble floor, gasping for air.
Julian immediately raised his rifle and shot Evelyn in the shoulder, disarming her permanently.
I dropped to my knees beside Luca, pressing my hands frantically against his bleeding chest.
"No, no, Luca, stay with me!" I begged, my tears falling onto his pale face.
He looked up at me, a sad, beautiful smile forming on his lips.
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"I am sorry I ever doubted you, Nia," he whispered weakly.
His eyes slowly fluttered shut, and his body went completely limp in my arms.
