Part 5: The Federal Siege at the Gates
The steel door of the wine cellar rattled as Marco and two security guards poured into the room, guns drawn. Marco took in the scene instantly—Alex and Isabella standing near the table, Fiona holding a trembling revolver, and the open briefcase containing the explosive family secrets.
Marco didn’t hesitate. He lunged forward, kicking the revolver out of Fiona’s hand. It clattered across the stone floor as Marco forced Fiona down against the oak table, pinning her arms behind her back.
“Clear!” Marco barked to his guards.
“Hold her,” Alex ordered, lowering his weapon just an inch. He didn’t look at Fiona; his dark eyes were fixed on the open briefcase. “Marco, secure those files. Every single paper.”
“Federal marshals are at the front gates?” Isabella asked, turning to Marco.
“Yes, Mrs. Romano,” Marco panted, keeping his knee pressed against Fiona’s back. “Accompanied by a court-appointed probate judge. They have an emergency injunction freezing all Romano assets pending an investigation into hidden heirs.”
Alex’s jaw clenched so hard a muscle twitched in his cheek. “Grace. She played her final card.”
“She thinks she can burn the house down and pick through the ashes,” Fiona sobbed into the wooden table. “You can’t stop it, Alex. The courts already have the primary documentation. Mateo Alvarez is legally recognized as Victor Romano’s biological grandson through Daniel. He holds a legitimate claim to forty percent of the estate.”
Isabella looked at Alex. The implication was staggering. If Mateo held forty percent of the empire, and Grace controlled Mateo through fear and manipulation, then Grace would effectively control the entire Romano syndicate from the shadows.
“We need to get to the front gates,” Isabella said firmly. “Now.”
“Bella—”
“Don’t tell me to stay behind, Alex. Your mother brought a war to our doorstep. We are going out there together.”
Alex looked at his wife for a long moment. Then, a slow, grim smile touched the corner of his mouth—not a smile of humor, but of absolute, unyielding partnership.
“Marco, bring Fiona to the holding room,” Alex said. “Lock her in. Then meet us at the front courtyard with the full security detail.”
May you like
“Yes, Mr. Romano.”
Alex took Isabella’s hand, his fingers intertwining firmly with hers, and together they walked out of the dark cellar and back up into the light.
