Then, one rainy afternoon, Marco came with news: Julian’s old crew from the West Side had gathered at the front gate. They claimed Vincent had violated protocol by exiling his own brother without a full council vote. They demanded a meeting.
“They just want to see if I’ve gone weak,” Vincent said, standing. “I’ll talk to them myself.”
THE CONFRONTATION IN THE RAIN
Vincent walked out into the rain alone and faced Dominic — Julian’s former right hand — and four of his men.
“The West Side doesn’t take orders from a man who lets a housemaid run his house,” Dominic sneered.
Vincent’s voice was ice. “My brother tried to poison me. A six-year-old girl had more honor than all of you combined.”
Dominic’s hand slid toward his jacket pocket. Instantly, four red laser dots bloomed across his chest — Vincent’s snipers, already in position.
“Get off my land,” Vincent said. “If I see any of your faces in this city after midnight, you’ll share my brother’s fate.”
THE GIFT IN THE SUNROOM
By morning, the West Side crew had scattered and fled the city. In the sunroom, Vincent presented Emma with a pink gift box. Inside was a handmade plush rabbit in cream velvet, wearing a tiny pink dress and a silver necklace with a shield-shaped pendant.
“The shield means you’re under my personal protection,” Vincent explained. “From today on, no one gets to frighten you. Ever.”