Chapter 5 - The Challenge in the East WingThe air in the bedroom dropped ten degrees.
Leo didn't raise his voice, but the stillness of his body radiated a lethal, terrifying energy. He held the pistol steady, the barrel pointed dead center at Dominic’s chest.
“Take one more step past that threshold, Dominic,” Leo said, his voice dropping into a low, metallic purr, “and I will put a hollow-point bullet through your heart right here in the hallway.”
Dominic laughed, a harsh, unstable sound, though his eyes darted nervously to the gun barrel. He didn't step back. Instead, he spread his arms wide, gesturing mockingly around the luxurious suite.
“Look at you, playing the big tough mafia boss just because Grandfather gave you a stray cat to pet!” Dominic sneered, his gaze shifting past Leo to glare directly at Tessa. “You think a broke waitress is going to save you from the council vote tomorrow, cousin? The capos are laughing behind your back. They know you’re a liability. And the second we take over the shipping terminals, this little gold-digger is going back to flipping burgers in Brooklyn.”
Tessa felt a hot surge of anger override her fear. She stepped out from behind Leo’s protective shoulder, her eyes flashing.
“I’ve never flipped a burger in my life, Dominic,” Tessa snapped back, her voice ringing clear and steady. “And unlike you, I actually earned every dollar I ever made instead of whining like a spoiled child because your uncle didn't leave his empire to an incompetent thug.”
Dominic’s face flushed an ugly, mottled purple with rage. He took a sharp step forward, his hand twitching toward his own jacket holster.
“You little bitch—!”
Click.
Leo cocked the hammer of his pistol. The sound echoed like a thunderclap in the quiet room.
“I told you not to step past the threshold,” Leo whispered, his gray eyes turning entirely black with fury. “If you ever speak to her like that again, Dominic, I won't wait for the council vote. I’ll bury you in an unmarked grave before sunrise.”
Dominic’s enforcers tensed, their hands hovering over their weapons, waiting for a command. For three agonizing seconds, the room hung on a knife-edge of absolute violence.
Then, heavy, rhythmic footsteps echoed down the hallway behind Dominic.
“Lower your weapon, Leo,” an old, commanding voice cut through the tension.
Declan Gallagher stepped into the doorway, leaning heavily on a carved ebony walking cane. His cold, piercing eyes swept over the scene—from Dominic’s flushed, angry face to Leo’s steady pistol, and finally to Tessa, who stood tall and unyielding beside the heir.
“Uncle Declan!” Dominic whittled, turning defensively toward the patriarch. “Are you seeing this? He pulled a gun on me in my own home! He’s unstable! He’s unfit to lead the syndicate!”
Declan didn't look at Dominic. He walked slowly past him into the room, his eyes fixed entirely on Leo.
“He didn't shoot you, did he?” Declan asked quietly.
“He threatened—!”
“He gave a warning,” Declan interrupted, his voice dropping into iron-clad finality. “And in our world, a warning is a courtesy. You violated the east wing boundary, Dominic. That is punishable by expulsion from the estate.”
Dominic went rigid. “You’re banishing me over a waitress?!”
“I am banishing you because you lack discipline, tact, and control,” Declan replied coldly. He turned his head slightly, signaling two guards standing in the hall. “Escort Mr. Dominic off the property immediately. Confiscate his vehicle keys and his access codes.”
“You’ll regret this!” Dominic screamed as two massive enforcers grabbed him by the arms, dragging him kicking and cursing down the corridor. “Both of you! The council will vote against him tomorrow, and I’ll take everything!”
The echoes of Dominic’s threats faded as the heavy doors were pulled shut once more.
Silence descended on the suite.
Declan turned his piercing gaze toward Tessa, studying her for a long, uncomfortable moment.
“You didn't flinch,” the old boss noted, a hint of genuine respect underlying his harsh tone.
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“I told you, Mr. Gallagher,” Tessa replied, lifting her chin. “I don't scare easily.”
Declan let out a dry cough of amusement. He turned toward Leo, nodding once. “Tomorrow morning is the council vote. Dress him well, Miss Miller. Tomorrow, the Gallagher empire gets a new king.”
