Chapter 90

\## Nathan's POV

"I need you to stay calm, Michael. Joseph will take Lily, don't try to interfere."

I spoke calmly to Michael, despite the pang of pain in my heart. I had called my cousin beforehand to prevent any interference. I didn't want to see Joseph getting hurt. But what surprised me was Jake's call, offering to sacrifice his own life for Lily's safety.

Amidst the chaos, I remained composed because everything was going according to plan. I had to hide my inner fear and anxiety, for it was the only way to ensure Lily and the baby's safety.

Sean grabbed my shoulder forcefully, anger burning in his eyes. "They've taken my daughter, and you're just standing there! Give the order, or I'll go get her myself."

My voice remained steady. "No, you won't go. I will bring her back within four hours as planned."

"The hostages from the safe house have been released, and reinforcements are on the way. We've given Antonio what he wanted, so there's no reason for him to attack us," I explained, hoping to calm him down.

Kevin grabbed my suit collar, pulling hard. His face was inches away from mine, and I could feel his rapid breath on my face. "Do you really believe you can just walk in there and bring Lily out, and Antonio will hand her over peacefully?"

I looked him in the eyes without flinching. "Yes, I believe so. Lily is there now, and we can go in peacefully without worrying about anyone getting hurt in the process."

Brian sneered, his eyes cold as ice. "So she's your sacrificial lamb? You better pray this damn plan works, or we'll sacrifice you!"

I shrugged, turning to my father. "Let's proceed with the plan. Remember, we are just surrounding them, and those who cooperate will be spared."

William furrowed his brow, full of doubt. "Spare them? Haven't Joseph and Christopher suffered enough? Are you out of your mind?"

I ignored my brother's words, continuing, "According to Joseph, Antonio plans to set the house on fire—we have about four hours to rescue Lily."

Sean sighed deeply, his voice filled with frustration. "This is absurd. You've lost your mind. These people are Antonio's followers; they won't surrender just because you politely ask."

"Yes, they are followers, and they need a leader." I said, "Even Antonio's own family wants nothing to do with him, so after I deal with him, I will find a suitable leader for them."

My grandfather, Logan, suddenly chuckled, his wrinkled hand resting on my shoulder. "That's actually not a bad idea. Antonio doesn't know Tyler is missing, his focus is only on Lily, so that will give us enough time to get there. My grandson is a genius."

I didn't respond to my grandfather's praise, knowing how dangerous the plan was and how many things could go wrong. But it was the only way.

"Do you really think we can trust Joseph Moretti?" Kevin mocked, his eyes glinting with distrust.

I stared into his eyes. "Yes, we can—afterwards, we'll let him and Christopher go."

"No, hold them as hostages." Sean immediately corrected me, but I shook my head firmly. "No, we'll let them go—we'll let him go, and Christopher go, that's the deal."

Sean's voice grew stern. "Your deal with them."

I took a deep breath, trying to remain patient. "Sir, I don't want to argue with you—we all want the same thing."

Seeing the softening expression on his face, I knew he was relenting. Sean took a deep breath. "You're right, I'm sorry."

I gave him a reassuring smile, even though I needed that assurance myself. "Lily will be safe, don't worry about her—she's strong."

I turned to Richard, starting to lay out the specific plan. "James, Tyler, William, and I will go to check the situation first. I want the rest of you to stay here for now."

"Tyler?" Brian's voice was surprised and angry as he grabbed Tyler's arm. "You just told me she was safe, unless Antonio found Tyler. He needs to stay here!"

I shook my head, sticking to my decision. "No, we really need Tyler's help—he's very useful, and he knows Moretti Manor the best. We need him."

"So I have to wait here for a few hours, trusting you to bring back my sister?" Kevin's voice was mocking.

Tyler glared at him, his eyes filled with determination. "As you can see, I won't abandon my sister, or any family member—so you don't have to worry."

I gave Tyler a sympathetic look. I regretted that his life was also in danger—yet it seemed that nobody cared or noticed, including myself. Lily was the priority, and had to be.

"I'll go with you," Richard said, grabbing his jacket. His determination surprised me.

"No, Dad—you stay here!" I commanded. Despite Richard being unwell, he was determined to stay by my side—but I couldn't let him take the risk.

"Nathan, you want to protect Lily and your child—and I want to protect my child, so I'm going with you." Richard gently pushed my hand away, and I saw unwavering determination in his eyes.

"I'm going to protect my child." Logan stepped forward, his voice though old, carried power. I looked at my retired grandfather in shock, seeing his determination to care for Richard.

"Grandpa," I sighed, "you shouldn't even be here, I thought we had discussed that the old folks would sit on the sidelines, stay at home."

"Whether you like it or not, I'm going, come on—let's go!" Logan roared, his eyes flashing with the familiar stubbornness.

\---

Soon, we split into pairs and headed towards our destination, agreeing to meet near Moretti Manor. While teaming up with Tyler was the wisest choice, I had to admit, I felt somewhat threatened by Lily's cold but obedient twin brother. His loyalty to her was stronger than to me.

"What's the plan then?" James asked, leaning against the driver's seat, his gaze focused on the road ahead.

"Four hours from now, Antonio will realize Tyler is missing. Joseph told me he'll come to check in four hours." I said, tapping my knee lightly with my fingers.

"He'll go mad, we'll surround the house, and I'll go back to deal with him," I explained, "and get back what's mine, Lily."

I couldn't tell anyone, but deep down, I felt deeply guilty for handing her over. It was like I had sent her into the lion's den. But in the end, everything would be resolved, because Antonio had forgotten we all had a bigger ace up our sleeves.

"You should stop your father," James said, breaking the brief silence. His voice was low but clear in the quiet space of the car.