Chapter 9 - THE FINAL DESPERATION
While love bloomed inside the Rossi estate, Salvatore Moretti’s world was crumbling into ruin.
Following the devastating revelation at the Commission meeting, Salvatore had lost his standing among the families. His business partners severed contracts, his political allies abandoned him, and bank loans were suddenly recalled.
Driven mad by shame and financial ruin, Salvatore decided on a desperate, suicidal final gamble.
He knew he could not defeat Dominic Rossi in a direct war. But he believed that if he eliminated the cause of his downfall—the maid—he could somehow restore his honor.
It was a Tuesday afternoon. Dominic was away in New York City attending an international shipping summit, guarded by Matteo and a full security detail.
Skylar and Carmela were scheduled to visit the medical center downtown for Carmela’s routine checkup.
As their two-car convoy exited the gated driveway of the Rossi estate, a heavy construction truck suddenly pulled out from a side road, slamming broadside into the lead security car!
CRASH!
The security SUV flipped onto its side, blocking the road.
Before the driver of Skylar’s car could reverse, two dark vans screeched to a halt, boxing the limousine in completely.
Six armed men wearing tactical masks poured out of the vans, firing heavy handguns into the air.
"Get down!" the Rossi driver screamed, pulling his sidearm. But before he could fire, a heavy iron bar smashed through the driver’s window, knocking him unconscious.
The rear doors of the limousine were ripped open.
Carmela screamed as a rough hand grabbed her arm.
"Leave her alone!" Skylar yelled, throwing herself over Carmela, using her body as a shield once again.
A tall man in a dark coat pulled off his mask—it was Salvatore Moretti himself, his eyes bloodshot and unhinged.
"Grab the girl!" Salvatore roared. "Leave the old woman!"
Two men lunged into the car, grabbing Skylar by her arms and waist. Skylar fought back fiercely, kicking and thrashing, biting one attacker's hand hard enough to draw blood.
"Get off me!" Skylar screamed.
"Shut her up!" Salvatore ordered.
A damp cloth smelling strongly of chloroform was shoved over Skylar's nose and mouth. She gasped for air, but the sweet, heavy chemical fumes instantly filled her lungs.
Her vision blurred. Her limbs grew heavy and useless.
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The last thing Skylar heard before slipping into darkness was Carmela’s terrified scream echoing down the empty country road.
"SKYLAR!"
