Page 98 of Mafia Kingdom

I nod, accepting her request as a command.

Minutes later, we're rolling out quietly, splitting up and taking different paths to the O'Reilly compound. The command van is discreet, a delivery truck outside, high-tech equipment inside. Sasha sits next to Tony, silent, focused on the screens.

"Tunnel entrance clear," the advance team radios. "No surveillance."

"Check thoroughly," I caution. "Nothing gets missed."

Minutes tick by, tense silence filling the van, until finally: "Tunnel’s clean. No devices."

I glance at Tony; we share an unease— feels wrong, everything is too smooth. But paranoia can't hold us back now.

"Go," I order Damien. "Silent and swift."

"On it," Damien replies coolly.

His team moves fast; quiet updates confirm their progress into the compound. Everything aligns with intel, but my instincts won’t relax.

"Gerald spotted," Damien announces after what feels like an eternity. "Two guards. No sign of father."

"Take them down," I instruct. "Quiet if you can. Get Gerald."

"Copy that."

A tense wait, then: "Guards neutralized. Gerald secure."

Relief washes through the van, short-lived when Damien speaks again urgently: "Gerald demands to talk directly to you. Says it's a setup."

"Put him on," I decide quickly.

Gerald’s voice, strained and weakened, comes through immediately. "Marco, it's rigged. Explosives everywhere. Your father has never been here. They planned for you."

"Why should I trust you now?" My tone is hard, suspicion dripping.

He coughs harshly, pain audible. "They poisoned me. I'm dead either way. Just get your men out."

There's no time for hesitation. "Pull out immediately," I order Damien.

Gerald speaks again desperately. "Take me. I can give you Patrick, everything—but move fast."

I grit my teeth, leaving the choice to Damien. "Your call—get out or risk bringing Gerald."

Damien doesn’t hesitate. "Taking him. ETA three minutes."

We hold our breaths, every second painful until Damien’s next words. "We're clear."

Seconds later, the eastern wing explodes in a roaring blaze of fire and rubble, confirming the truth in Gerald’s warning. My blood chills—so close to disaster.

"Everyone's safe," Damien confirms.

Relief spreads through the van. But I’m already moving, heading to meet Gerald personally.

"Stay with Tony," I tell Sasha firmly. "I'll be back."

"Be careful," she warns softly.

"I will." I offer one last reassuring touch before heading out into the night. Flames still dance on the horizon, a grim reminder that this isn't close to over. Whatever game my father's playing, I'll end it—on my terms.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

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