Page 269 of Niccolo

Not slapped –

Punchedwith a closed fist.

Lucia’s head snapped to the side. She looked stunned.

Me?

I was angrier than I had ever been in my entire life.

Even when my career had been ruined and dragged through the mud, I hadn’t felt such fury.

This spoiled man-child I hated –

This worm-ridden piece-of-shit coward –

Had hit a woman whosearms were bound behind her.

At that moment, I prayed to God that Aurelio would get exactly what he deserved.

And – shock of all shocks –

God delivered.

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It started with Zollner’s head exploding onscreen.

I literally gasped as the hunter’s green Alpine hat blasted apart and sprayed both Aurelio and Lucia with red.

I guess Lars finally showed up.

I stood there, shocked beyond belief –

But not Lucia.

She laughed in triumph –

Then screamed in fury at Zollner’s limp body on the bell tower floor.

Then she turned to Aurelio, who looked like he’d just shit his pants.

Whatever Lucia said, I couldn’t hear it –

But the cold, vicious delight on her face was a thing of beauty.

What a fucking kickass woman.

Fausto covered his phone with his hand and looked at me questioningly. “What’s going on?”

“Uh… you should see this,” I said as neutrally as possible.

“Good news?”

I shook my head ‘no.’

Fausto uncovered the phone. “Excuse me, gentlemen, I have to take another call. The offer still stands, Mr. Lau.”

“I must regretfully decline,”Lau said.

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