Chapter 40
The extraction from the Orion Tower was as flawless as the infiltration. By the time the local authorities arrived to investigate the blackout, the penthouse was a silent tomb, and the Falcone strike team had vanished entirely into the night. The message was unmistakable: Domenico Falcone’s empire was utterly impenetrable. The sun was just beginning to rise when Domenico returned to his estate. The bright, cinematic light of dawn poured over the manicured lawns, illuminating a fortress that had withstood yet another test of its absolute sovereignty. He walked into the grand atrium, shedding his tactical gear. He wore only his dark trousers and his crisp white dress shirt, completely unbuttoned at the chest. The refined, artistic tattoos with their elegant negative space caught the morning light perfectly. His handsome, movie-star face was relaxed, the heavy burden of the night's slaughter washed away. He bypassed the council rooms and walked straight up the grand staircase. He opened the door to the nursery. Ruby was just waking up, rubbing her bright blue eyes. When she saw her father standing in the doorway, she smiled, a radiant, innocent expression that banished all the darkness from his soul. "Daddy, you came back!" Ruby cheered. Domenico walked over and lifted her into his strong, tattooed arms, holding her securely against his chest. "I always come back, little bird," Domenico whispered softly, his cold, intimidating eyes replaced entirely by warm, profound devotion. He looked out the window at his sprawling, secure empire. He had burned another dynasty to ashes, and he would do it a thousand times more. The king was home, his bloodline was safe, and his reign was eternal.
