Chapter 7 - THE BETRAYAL INSIDE
The revelation fractured the Russo organization.
Dominic demanded answers.
Elias searched every old record.
Elena contacted former members of the Russo family.
Harper found herself trapped in the middle.
Then the betrayal came.
A video appeared online.
Harper was shown entering a private meeting with Carmine.
The footage looked real.
The caption accused her of selling Russo information.
Dominic watched the video twice.
Harper stood in front of him.
“I never met him.”
“I know.”
“You believe me?”
“Yes.”
The door exploded open.
Armed men rushed inside.
Dominic grabbed Harper and pulled her behind the desk.
Gunfire tore through the office.
Glass shattered.
Security returned fire.
When the shooting stopped, Elias lay on the floor.
Blood spread across his shirt.
Dominic dropped beside him.
“Who did this?”
Elias grabbed his wrist.
“Your brother.”
Dominic froze.
“My brother is dead.”
Elias shook his head.
“No.”
Then he died.
Harper stared.
Dominic looked devastated.
For the first time, she saw the boy behind the ruthless man.
His father had lost a son.
Now Dominic believed he had found him again.
Except that son had apparently become his enemy.
That night, Harper found Dominic alone.
“You don't have to carry this alone.”
He didn't answer.
She sat beside him.
“I believe you.”
He finally looked at her.
“Why?”
“Because I know what it feels like when everyone wants you to become something you're not.”
He reached for her hand.
“Harper.”
“Yes?”
“If something happens to me…”
“No.”
“Listen.”
“No.”
“I need you to promise me—”
“No.”
His eyes softened.
“You're stubborn.”
“You married me.”
He smiled.
“Technically.”
She leaned against him.
For several quiet minutes, neither spoke.
Then Dominic whispered:
“I love you.”
Harper lifted her head.
“What?”
“I love you.”
She stared.
He didn't repeat it.
He didn't need to.
She kissed him.
Then she placed his hand against her stomach.
His expression changed.
“Dominic…”
“What?”
“I've been feeling sick.”
His eyes searched hers.
“I thought it was stress.”
“Harper…”
“I took a test.”
He stopped breathing.
“You're pregnant?”
She nodded.
His face changed completely.
The feared crime lord who had ordered men to kneel now looked like a terrified young man.
“Are you sure?”
She laughed through tears.
“Very.”
He dropped to his knees.
His forehead touched her stomach.
“I don't know how to do this.”
Harper touched his hair.
“Neither do I.”
He smiled.
Then the lights went out.
A gunshot echoed.
Harper screamed.
When emergency lights came on, Dominic was gone.
A message appeared on Harper's phone.
You want your husband? Come alone.
She looked toward the window.
May you like
Then she saw another message.
Bring the heir.
