Chapter 8 - The Double Cross
Valentina stumbled backward in absolute shock, her expensive silk robe now splattered with the dead mercenary's blood.
"Carlo, what are you doing?" Valentina shrieked, clutching the ledger tightly.
"I am doing exactly what we planned, my love," Carlo smiled coldly.
"I am cleaning up all the loose ends."
Carlo fired his weapon twice more in rapid succession.
The two remaining mercenaries in the library dropped dead before they could even unholster their weapons.
The room fell into a heavy, ringing silence, broken only by Sophia's quiet sobbing.
Rocco sat tied to the heavy oak chair, completely unsurprised by the betrayal.
Thieves rarely shared their stolen crowns willingly.
"You used me," Valentina whispered, tears of terror welling in her eyes.
"I used your access, your bank accounts, and your utter lack of morals," Carlo corrected her.
"But I have absolutely no intention of sharing a billion-dollar empire with a woman who murders her own babies."
Carlo stepped closer to Valentina and snatched the leather-bound ledger from her trembling hands.
"You cannot do this," Valentina begged, falling to her knees on the ruined floor.
"I gave you everything!"
"And now I am taking the rest," Carlo replied smoothly.
He raised the gold-plated pistol and aimed it directly at Valentina's forehead.
Rocco suddenly let out a low, dark chuckle that echoed strangely in the quiet room.
Carlo paused and looked at his tied-up brother in confusion.
"What is so funny, Rocco?" Carlo demanded.
"I am just admiring your confidence, little brother," Rocco smiled dangerously.
"You spent ten years planning this perfect heist, but you forgot one very important detail."
Carlo frowned and took a step toward the tied chair.
"What detail?" Carlo asked impatiently.
"I never wear a watch just for the aesthetic," Rocco answered softly.
Rocco flexed his wrist, pressing a hidden button on the heavy gold watch his father had given him.
A high-pitched electronic whine suddenly filled the library.
The massive oak bookshelves suddenly split apart, revealing four automated, heavy-caliber sentry turrets built directly into the walls.
The automated targeting lasers immediately painted red dots all over Carlo's chest.
Carlo's eyes widened in sheer, unadulterated panic.
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"Get down, Sophia!" Rocco roared.
The little girl hit the floor just as the sentry turrets opened fire with deafening ferocity.
