They multiplied and gnawed.
I couldn’t stand there any longer.
Something inside me snapped, my heart roaring louder than reason. It felt like it would give out if I didn’t go to her—now.
I wasn’t about to kill my own wife just to save face before my men.
I shoved away from my desk.
Stormed out of the study.
My boots struck the corridor hard, echoing through the estate as I made my way toward the lower levels.
Cold. Purposeful. Focused.
But not controlled.
“Boss.”
Ciro again.
He stepped into my path without warning, like he’d been waiting—blocking me calmly and deliberately.
“Boss, don’t do this.”
My eyes snapped to him.
Sharp. Dangerous.
“Violet’s at the hospital. She’s very close to delivery and needs you. Go be with her—I’m not sure she can get through it without you. It’ll take your mind off this mess.”
I didn’t slow down. Didn’t even hesitate.
I pushed past him.
He fell into step behind me almost immediately.
“Boss—”
“Shut the fuck up, Ciro.”
My voice dropped into a lethal timbre.
“You expect me to kill my wife and my unborn child... just to prove a point to my soldiers about sparing a traitor?”
Silence.
Then I leaned my head slightly, my eyes burning with a darkness beyond anger.
“I don’t care what my soldiers think. I don’t care what anyone thinks. I will not stand by while my wife and unborn child freeze to death. I’m heartless—but not when it comes to my family.”
His eyes widened—just a flicker.
But he didn’t stop walking.
Didn’t stop pushing.
“You’re making a mistake,” he said, voice tight now. “If you let her out this soon—”
