Chapter 4 - The Compound of Secrets
The heavily fortified compound looked like a modern castle hidden in the mountains.
Sofia sat wrapped in a thick wool blanket by a roaring fireplace in the grand library.
She felt a deep sense of loss over the missing bracelet.
It was the only physical proof of her identity, and now it was at the bottom of the river.
Riccardo walked into the room accompanied by an older man in a white medical coat.
This is Dr. Rossi, my most trusted physician.
Riccardo gestured for the doctor to step forward.
He is going to take a blood sample to confirm what my heart already knows.
Sofia extended her bruised arm, wincing slightly as the needle pierced her skin.
Dr. Rossi filled a small vial with her blood and placed it carefully into his secure metal case.
I will process this in the underground lab immediately, Don Riccardo.
The doctor bowed respectfully and left the room.
Riccardo poured two glasses of warm brandy and handed one to Sofia.
Try to rest, Chiara.
He smiled softly, testing the name on his lips as if it were a fragile prayer.
Once the results are in, I will announce you to the entire syndicate as my rightful heir.
Riccardo excused himself to coordinate the retaliation against the Falcone family.
Sofia curled up on the leather sofa, the exhaustion of the night finally pulling her into a deep sleep.
She woke up hours later to the sound of hushed, frantic whispering outside the library doors.
She tiptoed across the Persian rug and pressed her ear against the heavy oak wood.
Dr. Rossi was arguing with a tall, menacing man who served as Riccardo's underboss.
I ran the sequence twice, and the results are undeniable.
The doctor sounded terrified.
The girl is a genetic match to Don Riccardo.
The underboss grabbed the doctor by the throat and slammed him against the stone wall.
You will alter those results to say she is an imposter.
The underboss hissed venomously.
If Riccardo finds out his daughter is alive, my path to taking over this family is destroyed.
Sofia backed away from the door in absolute horror.
The underboss pulled a silenced pistol from his jacket and shot Dr. Rossi directly in the chest.
May you like
The doctor fell to the floor, dead before he even made a sound.
The heavy library door slowly began to creak open as the killer stepped inside to find her.
