Chapter 3 - The Custody Ambush
Lorenzo did not flinch, his eyes narrowing into cold slits of obsidian. Behind him, the ornate grand staircase remained empty; Marco had already escorted Sophie to the fortified panic room concealed behind the library walls. The tension in the foyer was suffocating, the sound of rain lashing against the leaded glass windows matching the thunderous beat of Lorenzo’s heart.
""You brought city marshals to my front door, Victor,"" Lorenzo said, his voice quiet yet carrying enough menace to make the nearest armed guard shift his weight uneasily. ""Have you forgotten whose name sits on the deed to this city?""
""The law applies even to us, Lorenzo,"" Victor sneered, stepping forward and tapping his silver cigarette case against his manicured palm. ""A minor child, found wandering the streets without identification, sustained head trauma under mysterious circumstances. You have no legal standing, no guardianship papers, and certainly no parental claim. Surrender the girl to Child Protective Services, or this entire house will be raided under federal obstruction charges.""
""She is my niece,"" Lorenzo countered cleanly, his words slicing through the room like a razor.
Victor’s smirk flickered for a fraction of a second, his pupils contracting with a sudden flash of panic. ""Matteo died childless. You are grasping at ghosts to keep an illegal bargaining chip.""
""Dr. Rener has already processed the genetic verification,"" Lorenzo replied coldly. ""Her lineage is established. Furthermore, emergency temporary custody documents were filed with Chief Justice Harrington forty minutes ago under the Moretti family trust. Your municipal magistrate has no jurisdiction in this county, Victor. Take your hired dogs and get off my property before I consider this an act of war against the ruling seat.""
The magistrate glanced nervously at Victor, sweating beneath his stiff collar. ""Victor, if Harrington signed an injunction, we cannot proceed without a supreme court hearing. We need to withdraw.""
May you like
Victor’s jaw tightened, his cordial mask slipping to reveal the ruthless, aging wolf underneath. He leaned in close to Lorenzo, his breath smelling of expensive cloves and malice. ""You think you can play the heroic father, Lorenzo? You don't know the hornet's nest you've kicked. She remembers nothing today, but when her mind clears, she will destroy you just as her father destroyed our northern trade. Enjoy playing house while it lasts.""
Victor signaled his men, turning on his heel and marching out into the torrential rain. The heavy front doors slammed shut, echoing through the cavernous manor like a gunshot. Lorenzo didn't waste a second. He turned toward the private corridor leading down to the security terminal. The micro-drive in his vest pocket burned against his chest like hot coal. The time for defensive posturing was over; it was time to uncover the truth Matteo had died trying to preserve.
