Page 64 of The Shadow King's Brother

“Let’s go,” I say.

Without another word, I turn on my heel and storm for the door. The others scramble to catch up, but I’m already on the move, every step fueled by one thing: getting to Nica before it’s too late.

* * *

The car rideto the docks is a blur of tension. My hands choke the wheel, knuckles pale against the leather. Vinny and Angelo stayed back at the mansion.

Jackson sits beside me, unshelved in his worn beige suit, his shirt rumpled, collar askew. He looks like he hasn't slept in days, and maybe he hasn’t. Gio rides in the back, calm but coiled, his broad frame filling the space, every inch of him ready to break bones if I gave the word.

We ride in silence. I don’t need words right now—I need action. I need her. I need answers. I need to know what kind of hell Susan Galli is unleashing.

I feel Gio’s gaze cut sideways. “So… why is her mother involved?”

Jackson leans forward, brow furrowed. “We’ve always known she’s rich—hell, she owns more property than some countries. But what if it’s more than that? What if she’s not just some private businesswoman?”

“She’s smart,” I mutter. “Smart and patient. She’s got connections. Resources. More than I gave her credit for.” I glance over. “Jackson, dig deeper. I don’t care how locked down her files are—break them open.”

He starts tapping on his phone, frowning. “Her name barely shows up. No scandals. No leaks. No trails. It’s like her life’s vacuum-sealed.”

“Maybe,” Gio says, voice low, “but she sure as hell knows who her daughter is. And if she’s kidnapped Nica, it’s not just personal—it’s strategic.”

Jackson goes still, then leans back slowly, his eyes narrowing. “The only thing that makes sense is you. Victoria’s connection to you. Susan’s been watching—waiting. And Nica… she’s the soft spot.”

The words hit like a bullet to the chest. My grip tightens on the wheel. “You’re saying Nica’s in danger because of me?”

Gio nods once.

“So she’s not just after the city,” I say slowly. “She wants me. It’s personal.”

“She’s using Victoria to get to you,” Gio says.

My chest tightens, breath shallow. Jackson glances over. “She found your weakness.”

“Nica’s not a weakness.”

“Not to you,” Jackson replies, steady. “But to Susan? To anyone looking for control? She is.”

I stare straight ahead, jaw locked. “She’s been using Nica as a pawn.”

Gio’s voice cuts through the silence. “Everything’s tied together—Susan, the company, you. This isn’t random.”

My patience snaps. “I don’t give a damn about her twisted plans.” My voice drops, cold and sharp. “I’m getting Nica back. And I’m ending this. Tonight.”

I turn to them, jaw set. “We’re at the docks.”

Jackson nods, his eyes locked on mine. “We’re with you.”

The warehouse looms ahead, dark and imposing in the night, the shadows twisting like ghosts in the mist. I don’t stop the car when we get close; I park it in the shadows, the tires crunching on gravel.

We get out, guns drawn. Every step feels like I’m walking into a nightmare, but I don’t care. Nothing matters but getting Nica out of there, out of whatever sick game Susan Galli is playing.

Chapter11

Victoria Galli

I can barely focusthrough the buzzing in my head. My chest is tight, hands trembling.

This can’t be real.

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