Chapter 3 - The Traitor in the Shadows
Lorenzo paced the length of the study like a caged predator.
Isabella had known.
In her final moments, she had sacrificed everything to protect their child from a monster inside his own house.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Lorenzo asked, turning back to Sophia.
"I was terrified," Sophia cried.
"I didn't know who to trust."
"Every time you held a meeting, I saw the men around you."
"Any one of them could have been the one who ordered the hit."
Lorenzo realized the agonizing truth of her words.
If Sophia had come forward, the traitor would have killed her and the baby to cover their tracks.
Suddenly, a heavy knock echoed against the study doors.
"Lorenzo, open this door!" Matteo's voice shouted from the hallway.
"The guests are panicking."
Lorenzo stared at the oak doors, a chilling realization washing over him.
Matteo had been in charge of the convoy's security routes that day.
Matteo was the only one who knew the exact time Isabella was leaving the hospital.
Matteo was the one standing five steps behind him when Emma spoke.
The look of terror on Matteo's face hadn't been concern.
It had been the realization that his loose end wasn't tied up.
Lorenzo drew his silver-plated pistol from his shoulder holster.
He checked the chamber with a sharp, metallic click.
"Sophia," Lorenzo ordered calmly.
"Take Emma and go into the panic room behind the bookcase."
Sophia scrambled to her feet, grabbing her daughter tightly.
Lorenzo pressed a hidden button under his desk, and the bookshelf slid open.
"Do not come out unless it is me or Vincenzo," Lorenzo instructed.
Once they were safely inside, the shelf sealed shut, blending seamlessly into the wall.
Lorenzo took a deep breath, burying the father and awakening the boss.
He walked over and unlocked the heavy study doors.
Matteo pushed his way inside, looking around suspiciously.
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"Where is the maid?" Matteo asked, his eyes darting around the empty room.
"I sent her away through the side door," Lorenzo lied smoothly.
