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.

at the door broke through her

recognized the voice of Marco, one of her personal guards. She set down her wine glass and moved

is it, Marco?" She asked, taking

eyes darted nervously down the hallway before meeting hers. "Signora, we need to move you.

her face remained a

voice low. "On the boss' convoy.

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

know, ma'am. The last report we received indicated that he and Luca had escaped the initial ambush, but

nodded, her mind already racing. "Give me two minutes

back into the

her purse and her phone

Her husband. For some reason she was angry. Was

out her

"Anya, dear," Wendy answered.

happened to Daniel. He was attacked on his way back. I need to

and

will keep you informed" she gave a short summery domed

kd

emerged from the suite, nodding to Marco and the two other gets who had

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

doses

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 voice deceptively soft. "Who did

the front seat.

Anya's eyes narrowed. "Explain."

cleared his throat. "Our sources have found evidence implicating not one but four families in the

evident. Such cooperation between rival

suspected. But also the Russo clan, the Bianchi family, and... the Vitale syndicate. All are small families that operate in

implications. That means Daniel's meeting was a trap. For them to work together against the Shaws...did