Chapter 5 - The Wolves Gather At Sunset
A feral smile spread across my face as I listened to Rocco’s report. The trap was finally turning inward on the hunters.
“How many men is Julian bringing?” I asked, leaning back in my leather chair.
“Fifteen armed enforcers,” Rocco replied. “They rented two unmarked utility vans. They’re planning to hit the security gate at nine o’clock during dessert. Vivien gave them the master bypass codes for the electric fences.”
“Good,” I said coldly. “Let them enter the perimeter. Have our perimeter teams pull back toward the outer tree line. I want Julian and his men all the way up the driveway before we close the cage.”
“Understood, Boss. What about the guests?”
Tonight was supposed to be our intimate pre-wedding celebration. Only thirty select members of Chicago’s political elite, judges, and high-ranking business partners had been invited. People Vivien had hand-picked to witness her official coronation as the future Mrs. Duca.
“Let them enjoy their champagne, Rocco. When the time comes, usher the legitimate guests into the west wing ballroom. It has steel-reinforced storm shutters. They won't hear a single shot.”
By seven o'clock that evening, the estate grounds were glowing with warm lantern light. Valets parked Bentleys and Rolls-Royces along the circular drive, and laughter echoed across the marble terrace.
Vivien was in her absolute glory. She wore an off-the-shoulder ruby gown, dripping in vintage emeralds that had belonged to my grandmother. She greeted senators, toasted with appellate court judges, and leaned into my side as if she were already the undisputed mistress of the empire.
“You’ve outdone yourself, Lorenzo,” Vivien purred in my ear as we stood beside the grand staircase. “Everyone who matters in this state is under our roof tonight.”
“They certainly are,” I replied, taking a sip of sparkling water. “It’s a night none of them will ever forget.”
Around eight-thirty, Vivien checked her diamond wristwatch discreetly. Her eyes swept across the room, seeking out the staff. She noticed that Elena was absent from the service rotation.
“Where is that incompetent girl Elena?” Vivien whispered, frowning. “I told her she needed to serve the main course personally.”
“Elena was feeling unwell,” I said smoothly. “I gave her and Mia permission to rest for the evening.”
A flash of sharp annoyance crossed Vivien’s face, but she quickly suppressed it. “You’re far too soft on the help, darling. A true empire requires iron discipline. You’ll learn that once we’re married.”
“I’ve learned a great deal about discipline lately, Vivien,” I murmured, glancing toward the tall French doors overlooking the dark gardens.
May you like
Out in the distance, past the manicured hedges and weeping willows, the faint sweep of twin headlights flickered through the pine trees.
The wolves had arrived.
