Chapter 14 - The Final Breath
Julian collapsed onto his side, clutching his chest, the life draining rapidly from his eyes. Sofia walked slowly toward him, kneeling beside his trembling body.
The rotors of the waiting helicopter slowed to a halt as Hector dragged the frightened pilot out of the cockpit. The entire estate fell into a heavy, eerie silence, broken only by the distant hum of police sirens responding from across the bridge in San Diego.
Julian coughed, blood bubbling on his lips. He looked up at Sofia, his fingers weakly clawing at the concrete.
""You... you won't survive the syndicate..."" he wheezed, his voice fading. ""They'll hunt you... both of you...""
Sofia leaned down until her lips were inches from his ear, just as he had whispered to her before pushing her into the void.
""My daughter will know your name only as the man who learned how deep the ocean really is,"" Sofia whispered coldly.
Julian’s eyes rolled back, his body shuddering once before going entirely limp on the cold stone.
Sofia stood up slowly, pressing a trembling hand to her abdomen. The sharp pains from the journey had subsided, replaced by a deep, rhythmic calm. Hector walked over, draping a warm jacket over her shoulders, while Moretti approached from the terrace doors, clapping his hands with slow, respectful deliberation.
""An impressive demonstration, Donna Cruz,"" Moretti said, bowing his head slightly. ""It seems Julian was mistaken about many things. The European families would be honored to renegotiate terms with the true head of the Cruz empire.""
Sofia looked at the Italian Don, her eyes devoid of fear, devoid of mercy.
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""The Cruz family does not negotiate under gunfire,"" Sofia said evenly. ""Take your men and leave my country. If I ever see a Moretti flag on this coast again, I will drown you like I drowned him.""
Moretti stared at her, stunned, before nodding slowly with newfound fear, backing away toward his waiting cars.
