Chapter 9 - The Final War Came to the House They Built Together
Rafael Moretti returned in autumn.
This time, he did not come for Vincent.
He came for Hawthorne Manor.
The old freight tunnels had become symbolic.
If Rafael controlled them, he could rebuild the organization.
If Vincent stopped him, the last part of his criminal past would finally die.
The attack began at midnight.
But Hawthorne Manor was prepared.
Mason had organized security.
The staff knew emergency routes.
Evelyn knew every hidden passage.
And Vincent knew Rafael.
The battle moved underground.
Through stone tunnels.
Past abandoned rail tracks.
Into the old chamber beneath the chapel.
There, Rafael revealed the truth.
He had not wanted the tunnels.
He had wanted Vincent's loyalty.
“You could have ruled everything,” Rafael said.
Vincent shook his head.
“I already had everything.”
He looked toward Evelyn.
“She taught me what that meant.”
Rafael raised his gun.
Evelyn stepped forward.
Vincent shouted.
“Evelyn!”
She didn't stop.
“You're wrong, Rafael.”
He stared at her.
“You think power means making people afraid.”
She looked around the tunnel.
“Power is having something worth protecting.”
Rafael lowered his gun for one second.
That was enough.
Mason tackled him.
Authorities flooded the chamber.
Rafael was arrested.
The final remnants of Vincent's criminal empire were dismantled.
And for the first time, Vincent walked out of Hawthorne Manor without looking over his shoulder.
Snow began falling.
Evelyn stood beside him.
“It's over.”
He looked at her.
“Yes.”
She smiled.
“What now?”
“Whatever you want.”
She laughed.
“That's dangerous.”
“I know.”
He took her hand.
They walked toward the house.
Not as a mafia boss and his purchased bride.
May you like
Not as two people bound by debt.
But as husband and wife.
