Page 22 of Silent Night with Massimo

"I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself, Elio. You're not in charge here."

For a brief moment, tension crackles between us, the unspoken animosity hanging in the air. His expression hardens, but he says nothing, turning away with a sneer.

He practically chokes in shock at my audacity.

But I know he's a traitor. I have seen the evidence. He needs to burn for what he's done.

And if he is the traitor - that means he knows where my son is.

I brush past Elio and the person he is walking with andthen hurry downstairs to find Massimo. I need him to see that book.

Massimo is surrounded by the older uncles, caught in what looks like a serious discussion. Their expressions are grave, voices low and intense. I hover in the doorway, my heart pounding, desperate to grab his attention for just a moment. But he doesn't see me, lost in the weight of whatever they're discussing.

He notices me and his eyes keep darting over me until finally he excuses himself from the group and comes over to talk to me.

"I told Adrian to escort you to your room." He says quietly.

"He did. But you need to see something in Elio's room." I whisper back.

"You were in Elio's room?" he hisses.

"Massimo, I have to prove to you that he is not to be trusted. And I saw something that you need to see."

He clenches his jaw. "What is it?"

Adrian comes running towards us and grabs Massimo's shoulder.

"Brother, someone has breached the estate." He says in a dark panic.

"They're inside the walls."

Chapter 10

Massimo

"What?" I snap, anger flooding my voice. "How many intruders are there?"

Adrian glances around the room, his eyes scanning the faces of our family members before pulling me aside, away from everyone. His grip on my arm tightens.

"It's just one person," he mutters, his voice low. "We caught them on the security cameras sneaking around the back. We don't know where they are now, but the guards are searching. I think they're inside the lodge somewhere."

"How the hell did they get inside?" I demand, my heart pounding with the weight of the situation.

Adrian's gaze hardens, flickering toward Vera.

"The only way they could've gotten in is if someone let them in." He narrows his eyes at her.

"A little suspicious, don't you think, that she's out ofher cage the same night someone manages to break into our secure lodge?"

"Leave her alone," I snarl, cutting him off. "I said I vouched for her. You're going to have to trust me on this, Adrian. Now find out where this intruder is—and who the hell let them into our safe haven. The entire family is here."

I lower my voice, my tone harsh. "Make sure there's a guard stationed at Bella's bedside. Then get to the bottom of this."

Adrian nods, his eyes still heated towards Vera. "I will find out what happened." He warns her before he rushes off.

I clench my jaw tightly. "We need to find them before they hurt anyone," I say under my breath.

I turn towards Vera. "I think I need to find Elio."

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