Chapter 4 - Lock Every Door
Ronan found the fake server in the underground garage.
He had changed clothes.
But he hadn't made it outside.
Twenty minutes later, Luca remained at the head table while his security team quietly searched the building.
Nobody was allowed to leave.
Celeste was furious.
“This is insane.”
Luca ignored her.
“Elara.”
“Yes?”
“Come here.”
She approached.
The stained uniform clung uncomfortably to her skin.
Luca looked at the espresso.
“What exactly did you see?”
She explained.
The gloves.
The false company.
The hidden hand.
The cup.
Ronan returned.
His expression told Luca everything.
“Boss.”
“Say it.”
“We found a vial.”
The ballroom went dead silent.
Celeste's face lost color.
Luca slowly turned toward her.
“You wanted her removed.”
Celeste stared at him.
“What?”
“Months ago.”
“That has nothing to do with this.”
“Maybe.”
Ronan leaned toward Luca.
“The man's name is Victor Dane.”
That name changed Luca.
Not visibly to most people.
But Elara saw it.
His shoulders became still.
His eyes sharpened.
“Dane works for the Armand organization,” Ronan said quietly.
Everyone looked at Celeste.
She shook her head.
“No.”
Luca stood.
“Celeste.”
“I don't know him.”
“Look at me.”
She did.
“Did your father send him?”
“No.”
“Did you?”
“No!”
Her voice cracked.
That was when Elara noticed something else.
Celeste wasn't angry anymore.
She was terrified.
Elara spoke.
“She didn't know.”
Ronan turned.
“You can't know that.”
“I can.”
Luca looked at her.
“Explain.”
Elara studied Celeste.
“She thought I was trying to embarrass her. She wasn't trying to stop me from saving you.”
Celeste stared at Elara in disbelief.
“You're defending me?”
“No.”
Elara wiped champagne from her jaw.
“I'm telling the truth.”
Luca's gaze moved back to Celeste.
“Then somebody wanted me to believe she was responsible.”
Ronan understood first.
“The engagement.”
Luca nodded.
“A war between families.”
Someone wasn't merely trying to kill Luca Valenti.
They were trying to make the Valenti family blame the Armands.
And if Luca died tonight—
May you like
Chicago would burn tomorrow.
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