Chapter 12 - Fire on the Marble
Julian’s private security force erupted into action, pouring rifle fire into the armored truck. But Hector’s remaining loyalists had already bypassed the front lawn, emerging from the ocean access docks behind the estate. They were veterans of Roberto Cruz's inner circle, fighting with the calculated fury of men reclaiming their stolen honor.
Gunfire tore through the manicured gardens and white marble colonnades. Sofia, wearing a tactical vest strapped loosely over her pregnant belly and holding a submachine gun, moved through the breach with steady, lethal purpose. Hector walked beside her, covering her flanks with suppressive fire.
Julian's men, realizing they were outmaneuvered and facing the rightful heir of the cartel they had sworn allegiance to, began to falter.
""Stand down!"" Sofia’s voice cut through the gunfire as she entered the grand foyer. ""I am Sofia Cruz! Julian Navarro murdered my father, forged the succession, and stole your pay! Any man who drops his weapon walks away with his life and his debt cleared!""
Two guards at the foot of the sweeping staircase glanced at each other, looked at Sofia's unmistakable Cruz crest pinned to her chest, and threw their carbines onto the polished floor.
""Traitors!"" Julian screamed from the mezzanine above, firing blindly into the foyer.
Sofia pulled Hector behind a marble pillar as bullets chipped stone around them. Don Vittorio Moretti, escorted by his bodyguards, calmly stepped out of a side parlor, watching the confrontation with detached, evaluating eyes.
""Moretti!"" Julian screamed from the balcony. ""Help me kill her! The deal still stands!""
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Moretti looked at Sofia, then up at Julian, his face curling into disgust. ""You lied about her death. You lied about the money. You are not a boss, Julian. You are a frightened thief.""
Moretti waved his hand, and his bodyguards holstered their weapons, stepping back to let fate run its course.
