Chapter 5 - BROKEN GLASS AND BETRAYAL
The glass exploded inward in a cascade of glittering shards.
Heavy black boots slammed onto the balcony floor.
“Federal agents! Drop the weapon!” a voice thundered through the smoke.
Gabriel reacted with terrifying speed.
Before I could blink, his left arm wrapped like a vise around my throat.
He dragged me backward against his chest.
The cold steel of the pistol barrel pressed hard against my temple.
“Stay back!” Gabriel roared at the balcony.
“One step and she dies right here!”
I gagged, my fingers clawing desperately at his forearm.
Through the shattered door, I saw Agent Vance step into the room.
Vance held a service weapon steady, his eyes locked on Gabriel.
“Let her go, Gabriel,” Vance commanded.
“You're cornered. The entire estate is surrounded.”
“I walk out of here, or she takes the bullet with me,” Gabriel snarled.
His breath was hot and ragged against my ear.
I looked past his shoulder.
Nonna Antonella stood safely in the corner, clutching the ledger to her chest.
She met my gaze.
She gave me a microscopic nod.
I understood.
I stopped struggling.
I stopped crying.
I took a deep, steadying breath.
Gabriel thought I was helpless.
He thought I was the obedient wife he had trained for seven years.
He forgot who taught me how to survive in the Chicago underworld.
“Gabriel,” I whispered.
He tightened his grip.
“Shut up.”
“You always underestimated me,” I said clearly.
Before he could react, I slammed my heel down with full force onto his instep.
Gabriel hissed in pain, his grip loosening for a fraction of a second.
It was all the opening I needed.
I ducked low, twisting my body out of his arm lock.
Agent Vance fired a taser.
A crackle of blue electricity cut through the air.
Twin darts embedded themselves directly into Gabriel's chest.
He stiffened instantly.
His eyes went wide with shock.
The pistol slipped from his fingers, clattering onto the hardwood floor.
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Then my husband collapsed like a felled tree.
[CLIFFHANGER: As Gabriel is dragged away in handcuffs, Isabella appears at the front gate with a suitcase, offering the federal agents a shocking confession that changes everything.]
