Chapter 9 - The Calm Before the Slaughter
At 4:00 AM, hours before the sun would rise on his wedding day, Matteo stood in his private armory beneath the penthouse. The walls were lined with customized firearms, tactical vests, and enough ammunition to fund a small war.
His top three lieutenants—Vincenzo, Rocco, and Dante—stood at attention, studying the blueprints of the cathedral spread across the steel table.
"The Falcones have bribed the priest, three of the cathedral security guards, and the entire catering staff," Vincenzo reported, tapping a pencil against the map. "They plan to hit you right as she says 'I do.' Snipers in the choir loft. Ground teams blocking the exits."
Matteo loaded a specialized magazine into his customized 1911 pistol. The metallic click echoed sharply in the quiet room.
"Let them get into position," Matteo ordered, his voice cold and commanding. "Let them think they have the high ground. When the organ music stops, Rocco, your men take the snipers. Dante, lock the main doors from the outside. No one leaves. No one escapes."
"And the bride, boss?" Dante asked cautiously.
Matteo slipped the pistol into a concealed shoulder holster. "The bride belongs to me. She wants a red wedding? I am going to drown her in it."
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He dismissed his men and walked over to a small, secure lockbox on the wall. He opened it, taking out a small velvet box. He flipped it open, revealing a breathtaking, simple emerald-cut diamond ring. It wasn't the gaudy, ostentatious rock he had bought Elena for the press. This one was elegant, understated, and meant for a woman who understood true loyalty.
He closed the box and slipped it into his pocket. Today, he was going to destroy a dynasty. Tomorrow, he was going to build a family.
