Chapter 4 - The Midnight IntrusionWhile Aleandro dismantled Isabella’s web in the study, night fell over Chicago like a heavy velvet shroud. Heavy rain began to lash against the reinforced glass of the east wing windows.
Sophia sat on the edge of the plush guest bed, watching Emma sleep peacefully beneath a heavy quilt. The child was exhausted from the day’s strange movements, her breathing deep and regular.
Yet Sophia could not close her eyes.
Every creak of the old mansion’s timber felt like an approaching threat. She kept thinking of Marco’s words: Everything is wrong, but Mr. Moretti intends to make it right.
A muffled crash echoed from somewhere down the long corridor outside.
Sophia froze. She slid off the bed, her bare feet making no sound against the thick carpet. She crept toward the heavy oak door of the guest suite and pressed her ear against the polished wood.
Voices. Low, urgent, and foreign.
"...the Don is in the study with the girl," a harsh whisper hissed from the hallway. "Move fast. Take the east stairwell. If anyone gets in the way, eliminate them."
Sophia’s blood ran cold.
Intruders.
They hadn't just breached the estate; they had bypassed the outer perimeter. That meant someone inside had disabled the primary sensors. Someone with clearance.
She turned around frantically, her eyes scanning the room. There was no back exit, only the adjoining bathroom with a small frosted window overlooking the courtyard three stories below.
May you like
She rushed back to the bed, gently scooped the sleeping child into her arms, and wrapped the quilt around her. Emma stirred, murmuring softly against Sophia’s shoulder before settling back into sleep.
Suddenly, the heavy door handle of the guest suite began to turn.
