Chapter 10 - The False Victory
Clara collapsed onto the floor, gasping hungrily for the clean, fresh air rushing into the vault.
Matteo's loyal guards poured into the room, quickly securing the area and calling for the underground medical team.
Paramedics rushed in and immediately began treating Matteo's gunshot wound and stabilizing his breathing.
Bianca was aggressively dragged away in heavy iron chains, her cruel laughter finally silenced by her total defeat.
Clara sat in the corner, her hands shaking as she stroked Bruno's massive, comforting head.
Matteo sat up on the medical cot, pushing the frantic doctors aside to look directly at Clara.
"You saved my life again," Matteo whispered, his dark eyes filled with absolute awe and adoration.
He reached out his good arm, and Clara eagerly crawled into his warm, protective embrace.
She rested her tired head against his uninjured shoulder, breathing in the scent of his expensive cologne and smoke.
They had completely destroyed their enemies, secured the massive criminal empire, and saved Lily's life.
Clara finally felt completely safe, believing that the terrifying nightmare was officially over forever.
Then, she noticed a thick, classified manila folder resting on the steel desk behind Matteo's cot.
The folder had been knocked open during the frantic search, revealing a series of glossy photographs.
Clara stared at the photos, her blood instantly turning to solid ice in her veins.
They were highly detailed surveillance pictures of Lily, taken every single day for the past five years.
Matteo slowly locked the heavy steel door of the medical room from the inside and slipped the key into his pocket.
May you like
He pulled a suppressed silver pistol from his waistband and aimed it directly at Clara's chest.
"You did a wonderful job eliminating my rivals tonight, but you have finally outlived your usefulness," Matteo whispered with a terrifying, purely evil smile.
