Chapter 9 - The Uncle's Betrayal
The revelation struck Lorenzo like a physical blow to the chest. His uncle Carlo was the man who had taught him how to shoot, how to lead, and how to survive. "Carlo wants complete control of the empire, and you and the heir were in his way," the consigliere explained sadly. Lorenzo's sadness quickly morphed into a cold, terrifying, and absolute rage. He grabbed his weapons and ordered every loyal man in the house to lock down the estate. "Do not let anyone in or out until I find my uncle," Lorenzo commanded. Before the guards could even mobilize, the deafening sound of a helicopter rotor echoed above the mansion. Carlo had anticipated the discovery and launched a preemptive strike on the estate. Heavily armed mercenaries repelled from the helicopter, crashing through the skylights of the grand hallway. Lorenzo told Hunter to lock herself in the bathroom with the baby and wait for his signal. He charged out into the hallway, engaging in a brutal, bloody firefight with the invading forces. The mansion was completely torn apart by bullets, shattering priceless art and imported marble. Lorenzo fought like a demon, his protective fury making him absolutely unstoppable. He cleared the hallway and sprinted toward the master suite to check on his makeshift family. When he burst into the bedroom, his heart completely stopped in his chest. The bathroom door was completely blown off its hinges by a breaching charge. Uncle Carlo stood on the massive stone balcony overlooking the freezing, crashing Atlantic waves. Carlo held Hunter by her hair with one hand, and he dangled little Leo over the deadly drop with the other. "Drop the guns, Lorenzo, or I drop the bastard heir into the ocean," Carlo sneered wickedly. The freezing wind whipped around them, masking the sound of Hunter's desperate sobs. Lorenzo slowly lowered his weapons, his eyes locked on his terrified son suspended over the abyss. "Take the empire, Carlo, just give me my family," Lorenzo pleaded, raising his empty hands. Carlo laughed, a cruel, mocking sound that echoed into the stormy night. "You are too weak to lead, nephew, and I am not leaving any loose ends." Carlo opened his hand, releasing his grip on the crying infant.
