The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 131

Chapter 131: Counterattack

"We hold here," Daniel said, opening his eyes and fixing Luca with a steely gaze. "Salvatore will come. Until then, we remind these Dante dogs what it means to fuck with a Shaw." Luca's face split into a fierce grin. "Yes, boss."

As if in response to Daniel's declaration, a chorus of engines rumbled in the distance, growing louder by the second. Luca moved to the window peering out into the darkness. "Headlights," he reported. "At least three vehicles, coming up the old logging road.

Daniel pushed himself to his feet, ignoring the protesting ache in his arm. He joined Luca at the window, watching as a trio of SUVS emerged from the treeline, their headlights cutting through the gloom like searchlights.

"Seems we've been found," Daniel murmured. He turned to Luca, clapping his good hand on the younger man's shoulder. "You've served me well, my friend. Whatever happens next, know that I couldn't have asked for a more loyal lieutenant." Luca's eyes shone with emotion. "It's been an honor, Boss."

Daniel allowed himself a small smile at the use of his formal title. Then, squaring his shoulders, he moved towards the lodge's entrance. Outside, car doors slammed and gruff voices called out orders in the local dialect.

"No need to hide!" a voice bellowed. "We know you're in there! Come out now, and we'll make it quick!"

Daniel's hand rested on the door handle. He glanced back at Luca, who stood ready with his pistol raised. In that moment, despite the dire circumstances, Daniel felt worried about his

wife back at the hotel. He needed to go back to her.

"What do you say, Luca?" Daniel asked, a dangerous glint in his eye. "Shall we give these bastards a proper Neapolitan welcome?"

Luca's grin was all the response he needed. With a deep breath, Daniel threw open the door, ready to meet whatever fate awaited him in the darkness beyond.

The soft glow of the chandelier cast dancing shadows across the luxurious suite of the grand hotel. Anya stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, her slender body leaning the windowside chair. In one manicured hand, she held a glass of wine; the rich red wine remained untouched in her hand as she stared out into the night.

Something was wrong. She could feel it in her bones.

Daniel should have been back hours ago. The meeting with the Dantes wasn't supposed to take

this long.

Anya took a sip of her wine; the flavor did not matter as she was distracted. She had not been married to Daniel for long but could still feel something was wrong. Anya trusted her instincts greatly. And right now, those instincts were screaming.

door

down her wine glass and moved to open the door, her shoes clicking against the

is it, Marco?" She asked, taking in the man's

the hallway before meeting hers. "Signora, we

clenched, but her face remained a mask of

voice low. "On the boss' convoy. We don't know

composure cracking for just a moment. She knew something had happened.

Luca had escaped the

her mind already racing. "Give me two minutes to gather my things. Then we

back into

purse and her

was angry. Was this not a

out her

"Anya, dear," Wendy answered.

on his way back. I need to

and

gave a short summery

kd

suite, nodding to Marco and the two other

to the safe house," she ordered. "And want to know everything that happens nary five minutes. If anyone so much as sneezes in Apple

doses

Appletown's winding, streets was tense and silent. Arrya sat in the back of the armored SUV, her fingers tapping an impatient rhythm on her knee. As they passed the outskirts of the town, she finally broke the silence "Marco," she said, her

the front seat. "We're still gathering information, Signora,

Anya's eyes narrowed. "Explain."

evidence implicating not

Anya's surprise was evident. Such cooperation between rival clans was

But also the Russo clan, the Bianchi family, and...

mind whirling with implications. That means Daniel's meeting was a trap. For them to work