Page 7 of Until It Ends

I take a deep breath, my mind racing with possibilities and plans. I won't let my father's return disrupt the delicate balance I've established. I'll find Valeria, bring her back safely, and continue building the empire I've worked so hard for.

As I gather my thoughts, I remind myself of the lessons I've learned, the strength I've gained from navigating the treacherous paths of the criminal underworld. I won't let sentiment or familial obligations cloud my judgment. I'll make the choices necessary to protect what's important to me.

I turn my attention back to the task at hand—finding Valeria and unraveling the mysteries surrounding her abduction. Time is of the essence, and I won't rest until she's back in my arms.

My father's warning echoes in my mind, a constant reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows. But I'm ready to face them, to forge my own path and protect the woman I love. For no matter what obstacles lie ahead, I know one thing for certain—I won't let anything or anyone stand in the way of our happily ever after—the one she deserves.

Six

Dante

My heart pounds in my chest as I stand outside the high-rise condo, my eyes fixed on the elegant entrance. The tip I received, the sighting of a Cipriano crest on a limo, has ignited a flicker of hope within me. It's a lead, a glimmer of a chance to find Valeria and bring her back safely.

I'm not alone in this mission. The reinforcements I brought with me stand ready, their eyes filled with determination, their hands gripping their weapons tightly. I know the stakes are high, that time is slipping away with each passing moment. I can't afford to waste a second.

I signal my men and with a single nod the mission is set in motion. We sprint through the corridors to the unit leased out by the Italian private firm, anticipation crackling between us. Adrenaline courses through my veins as we break into the isolated building, every nerve in my body on high alert for any signs. My heart thumps violently in my chest as I step closer to our target, each breath coming faster than the last.

I blast the door open with an almighty kick, my armed men entering the premises behind me. The housekeeper screams in terror as I take charge of the scene and search every inch of the unit leased out by the shady Italian firm. Adrenaline pumps through my veins like wild fire.

But as I survey the empty unit, a sinking feeling settles in my gut. The space is immaculate, as if no one has set foot in it for days. There's evidence of recent activity, signs that someone was here, but they are now long gone.

Disappointment washes over me, threatening to consume my resolve. I approach the housekeeper, my voice tinged with urgency. "Are you sure no one has been here within the last hour?" I ask, desperation lacing my words.

The housekeeper nods, her eyes wide with confusion. "I swear, sir. I was just about to clean the unit. The person checked out this morning. I didn't see them leave."

My gaze drifts to the bathtub, my heart dropping as I see something glinting in the water on the bottom. I hadn't seen it before. I move closer, my fingers trembling as I reach down. I pick it up. It's the necklace I bought for Valeria. As I hold the necklace, my eyes catch the crimson stains on the tiles, mingling with the water.

Its blood.

My worst fears come crashing down upon me, overwhelming me with a mix of anguish and determination. Valeria has been taken, and something terrible has happened to her.

The necklace, once a symbol of our love and the future we envisioned, now serves as a painful reminder of the danger she's in. My grip on the necklace tightens, my knuckles turning white. I refuse to accept defeat, to succumb to the despair that threatens to consume me.

"That's blood, boss. Not a lot, but just enough to understand someone inflicted some pain," one of my men states.

"She was here. She's gone now," I mutter through clenched teeth, my voice filled with unwavering determination. "I'll find her, no matter the cost."

My men watch me, their expressions a mirror of my own turmoil. They know the magnitude of the situation, the relentless pursuit that lies ahead.

As I pocket the necklace, a silent vow resonates within me. I'll leave no stone unturned, no lead ignored. Valeria is out there, somewhere, and I'll bring her back, no matter the dangers that lie in wait.

With a heavy heart and a fire burning in my soul, I turn to my men. "We're not giving up," I declare, my voice filled with unwavering determination. "We'll find that Enzo bastard. We'll find Valeria."

Seven

Dante

The car ride back to the mansion is filled with a tense silence, the weight of uncertainty hanging heavily in the air. I'm too shaken up by what I found, so Vito takes the wheel. I stare out of the window, my mind racing with thoughts and possibilities. I know that time is of the essence, that every passing minute brings Valeria further away from me.

Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, I turn to Vito, my voice laced with determination. "Vito, we know where this fiasco leads," I say, my gaze fixed on my loyal confidant. "The only people who could have taken Valeria are the Ciprianos. Enzo and her own family."

Vito nods, his eyes filled with concern. "It's a plausible theory, Dante. The Ciprianos have always been cunning and ruthless. They wouldn't hesitate to use Valeria as leverage against you. Your father is right about that one thing."

My jaw clenches as anger courses through my veins. The thought of Valeria in their clutches fuels my determination even further. "We need to find her, Vito. We need to bring her back before they can harm her."

Vito's voice is edged with worry as he speaks, his loyalty to me unwavering. "Dante, it's been almost a week. They could've taken her out of the country by now. We need to consider every possibility, every avenue."

I know Vito is right, that the situation is dire. But I refuse to give in to despair. "No," I say firmly, my voice resolute. "We can't afford to think like that. We have to believe that she's still within reach."

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