Chapter 177 Some Where Safe

Chapter 177 Some Where Safe
Dante turned back just as he was about to step fully into the night.

The engine of one of his cars was already running softly, Matteo’s men positioned discreetly along the street, alert and watchful.

He faced them again, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument. “You’re not staying here.”

Isabella’s mother looked up sharply, fear flashing through her tear-filled eyes. “What?”

“This house is no longer safe,” Dante said. “If Isabella is missing, then this place becomes leveraged. I won’t risk that.”

Sofia stepped closer to her aunt, gripping her hand. “Where will we go?”

Dante gestured toward the cars. “You’ll follow Matteo and my men. A different location, it's more secure. No one outside this circle knows it.”

Marco frowned. “You’re moving us like—”

“Like people I intend to protect,” Dante cut in, not unkindly but firmly. “This isn’t a suggestion.”

Isabella’s mother hesitated, her lips trembling. “And my daughter?”

Dante said confidently. “I’m bringing her back.” There was no hesitation in his voice.

He turned again, ready to leave. “Dante—wait.”

Marco’s voice cracked.

Dante paused.

Marco hurried after him, following him outside into the cool night air.

The door shut softly behind them.

Marco's hands were shaking slightly.
“I—I need to tell you something,” He said quickly, like the words would choke him if he didn’t let them out immediately. “before you go.”

Dante studied him.

“It’s about your brother, Luca.” Marco said suddenly.

“What about him?” Dante asked evenly.

Marco dragged a hand through his hair, breathing unevenly. “He’s been using me. For a long time now.”

Dante didn’t interrupt.

Marco laughed bitterly. “I didn’t even know who he really was at first. I was desperate, we were drowning in debt and that was when I borrowed that amount of money that led to Isabella being taken by you.”

“Liam gave me drugs, guns and cash. Things I didn’t even want to look at too closely.”

Dante’s fists clenched slowly at his sides.
“If I said no,” Marco continued, his eyes glistening, “he’d smile like it was nothing. Then he’d remind me that accidents happen, that my mother is alone a lot.”

Marco’s chest hitched. “He threatened her. Over and over. I didn’t have a choice.”

For a moment, Dante said nothing.

“You should’ve told me,” Dante said finally.

Marco nodded miserably. “I know. I was scared and ashamed. I thought… I thought if I just did what he said, it would stop. But it never did.”

He looked at Marco. “Listen to me carefully.”

Marco straightened slightly.

“You’re done,” Dante said. “All of you. Your mother. Sofia. You’re under my protection now.”

Marco shook his head quickly. “No, Dante, you don’t understand—”

“I do,” Dante cut in. “And Luca won’t touch any of you again.”

Marco’s eyes filled. “I never wanted any of this. Isabella—if she knew—”

“She doesn’t,” Dante said. “And she won’t. Not like this.”

“She’s already carrying too much.”

Marco nodded, tears spilling freely now. “Please… please bring her back.”

Dante’s expression softened just a fraction. “I will,” he said quietly. “I swear to you.”

He placed a firm hand on Marco’s shoulder. “Go back inside. Pack nothing. Follow Matteo’s men exactly.”

Marco nodded rapidly. “Okay.”

As Marco turned back toward the house, Dante added, “And Marco?”

Marco looked back.

“You did what you had to do to keep your family alive,” Dante said. “That matters.”

Marco’s lips trembled. He nodded once, then hurried inside.

Dante watched the door close.

He pulled out his phone, his voice cold and precise as he spoke into it.

“Change of plans,” he said. “Luca just crossed his last line.”

He slipped into the car, eyes fixed on the dark road ahead.

_________________________

The warehouse lights were dim.

Valentina’s laughter rang out first, sharp and bright, cutting through the room.

“She’s gone,” she said, lifting her glass. “Finally.”

Luca’s mouth curved into a slow, satisfied smile. He leaned back in his chair, utterly relaxed. “I told you,” he replied calmly. “She was the only loose end.”

Valentina stepped closer, excitement humming through her veins. “Dante will lose his mind when he realizes she’s missing.”

Luca chuckled, low and pleased. “Good. Let him break.” He took a slow sip of his drink.

Valentina’s eyes gleamed. “You should have seen her face when they took her. She was utterly confused and scared.” She shook her head mockingly. “Hope is such a stupid thing.”

Luca laughed outright now, genuinely amused. “Hope is what makes people weak.”

Luca then stood, moving toward the window, looking out at the dark city.

“This changes everything,” Valentina said softly, almost reverently. “Interpol. Dante. Matteo. They’ll all be scrambling.”

“They’ll look in the wrong places,” Luca replied coolly. “As always.”

Valentina tilted her head, studying him. “And De Luca?” she asked. “He’ll be expecting his share of the victory.”

Luca’s smile faded, replaced by something colder.

“De Luca has outlived his usefulness,” he said flatly.

Valentina’s brows lifted, intrigued. “Oh?”

“He thinks he’s playing me,” Luca continued, turning back to her. “he thinks he’s the mastermind. Once Dante is destroyed and the dust settles…” He made a slow slicing motion across his throat. “I’ll remove him.”

Valentina laughed again, delighted. “So you’re using him the same way he’s using you.”

“He taught me well,” Luca replied without emotion. “Power is temporary unless you know when to cut people loose.”

Valentina raised her glass again. “To the fall of Dante Moretti.”

Luca clinked his glass against hers, eyes dark with satisfaction. “And to a future where there’s no one left to stand in my way.”