Chapter 3 - The Threat Beyond the Gates
While the Moretti mansion appeared impenetrable, tension was escalating across Chicago's underworld. The volatile Bellandi family had been making aggressive moves toward Moretti freight corridors along the river, looking for any sign of vulnerability in Alessandro’s operation.
In his private study, Alessandro met with his top lieutenants.
"Julian Bellandi is pushing into the north docks," Richard reported, laying out a map of the city. "He knows you’ve been distracted since Isabella passed. He thinks the Moretti empire is soft."
"Let him think that," Alessandro replied, his voice dropping an octave. "Prepare the warehouse teams. If Bellandi takes one crate across the county line, end him."
"There’s more," Richard hesitated. "Our informants say Bellandi’s men have been scouting the perimeter of this estate. They know you brought in new staff recently."
Alessandro’s eyes flared with dangerous intelligence. He thought of Elena. He thought of Mia walking barefoot through the dark corridors. If Bellandi discovered that a helpless mother and child lived inside the estate, they would instantly become bargaining chips.
That night, a severe thunderstorm rolled over Lake Michigan, battering the limestone walls of the mansion. Lightning flashed across the nursery windows, setting off a sharp crack of thunder that rattled the glass.
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Sophia woke up screaming.
Elena, finishing up late laundry duty in the west wing, heard the faint echoes through the ventilation shafts. Realizing Mia was not in her bed, Elena's heart dropped into her throat. Terror seized her as she rushed down the hall toward the restricted east wing.
