The flashing red and blue lights of Philadelphia police cruisers painted the rain-slicked pavement outside Lombardi’s in erratic strokes of neon.

"Boss!"

Marcus sprinted into the study, his hand already on the grip of his sidearm, blood dripping from a shallow cut on his forehead.

"They breached the perimeter gate," Marcus shouted over the sound of shouting voices and shattering glass echoing from the foyer. "Not just Julian’s men—an entire tactical squad from the rival syndicate. They knew we were tracking the data leak. They came to wipe the house clean."

Dominic’s eyes flared with cold fury. He didn't hesitate for a single second. He pulled a sleek, heavy Beretta from a hidden holster beneath his suit jacket and checked the clip with practiced precision.

"Marcus, secure the panic room in the east wing," Dominic ordered sharply.

"And you?" Marcus asked.

"I'm going to clean house." Dominic turned his gaze toward Sadie, who stood frozen near the doorway. He reached out, grabbing her arm with surprising gentleness, pulling her behind his broad frame. "You're coming with me."

"I am not hiding in a panic room while a gunfight breaks out!" Sadie protested, her voice shaking with adrenaline and fear. "I'm a pre-pharmacy student from Kensington, not a tactical backup!"

"You survived Viktor Petrov with a tea urn," Dominic snapped, his eyes locking onto hers with absolute authority. "You can survive a hallway. Move!"

Gunfire erupted outside the study doors. Wood splintered as bullets chewed through the antique paneling. Marcus fired two rapid shots through the open doorway, dropping an intruder who had managed to slip past the foyer defense.

"The back stairs!" Marcus yelled, waving them toward the service corridor.

They ran through the maze of hallways, the deafening cracks of gunfire echoing through the grand corridors of the estate. Smoke began to curl from the eastern foyer where a smoke grenade had been tossed.

As they reached the heavy oak door leading to the lower service stairs, a figure stepped out from the shadows of the linen closet blocking their path.