Chapter 7 - The Last Man From His Father’s Empire
Vincent went to the docks.
Alone.
No weapons.
No backup.
At least, that's what the kidnappers believed.
He found Elias tied to a chair inside a warehouse.
The man waiting for him was Victor Rane.
One of his father's old enforcers.
"I knew you'd come."
Vincent looked at Elias.
"Let him go."
Rane laughed.
"You really changed."
"I said let him go."
"You used to kill men like me."
"Maybe I still can."
"Then prove it."
Rane pulled a gun.
"Your mother ruined everything."
Vincent's face hardened.
"She saved me."
"She destroyed your father."
"He destroyed himself."
Rane shook his head.
"You don't understand family."
Vincent stepped forward.
"I understand enough."
A shot fired.
Vincent dropped.
Elias screamed.
Then Vincent stood.
The bullet had struck his vest.
Rane stared.
"You planned this."
"No."
Vincent pulled out his phone.
"I learned."
Police sirens echoed.
Rane's face changed.
"You called them."
"Yes."
"You'd rather betray your own blood?"
Vincent looked at him.
"My blood betrayed me first."
Rane tried to escape.
He was arrested.
Elias was freed.
When Vincent returned home, Charmian was waiting.
She saw the bruise on his jaw.
"You went alone."
"Yes."
"You promised me you wouldn't."
"I know."
She hit his chest.
Not hard.
Once.
"You scared me."
"I know."
She hit him again.
Then wrapped her arms around him.
He held her.
She cried against his shoulder.
"I thought you were dead."
"I'm not."
"You don't know what that did to me."
He closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry."
She looked up.
"I love you."
The words came without warning.
Vincent froze.
Charmian seemed shocked at herself.
"I didn't mean—"
"I heard you."
She looked away.
He gently lifted her chin.
"I love you too."
She smiled through tears.
"But we're not rushing."
She nodded.
"Okay."
"Your future first."
"Okay."
"And mine."
She smiled.
"Maybe they can meet in the middle."
May you like
He kissed her forehead.
"Maybe."
