Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT THE ROMANO ESTATE WENT DARK
The power failed at 11:18 p.m.
I was in the library.
Gabriel was in his study.
The estate's backup systems activated, but several corridors remained dark.
Then an alarm sounded.
Marco appeared at the library door.
“Mrs. Romano, please come with me.”
My heart pounded.
“What's happening?”
“An unauthorized entry.”
He guided me toward a secure room.
I heard footsteps.
Voices.
A door slamming.
Then my phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
Tell Gabriel to stop digging.
I froze.
Marco saw my expression.
“What is it?”
I showed him.
He immediately contacted Gabriel.
The intruders were stopped before reaching the main residence.
No one was injured.
Police responded.
Later, investigators found evidence that someone had attempted to access the estate's records room.
The incident appeared connected to the ongoing dispute over historical documents.
Gabriel came to find me after the property was secured.
He looked exhausted.
“Catherine.”
I stood.
He crossed the room.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded.
He looked at my face.
Then pulled me gently into his arms.
For a moment, I froze.
Then I hugged him back.
He whispered:
“I'm sorry.”
I closed my eyes.
“For what?”
“For bringing you into this.”
I shook my head.
“You didn't create what Vittorio did.”
He looked at me.
“But I failed to see it.”
I stepped back.
“Then see it now.”
He stared.
I continued.
“Don't protect him because he's family.”
Gabriel nodded.
“I won't.”
That night, I slept in my own room.
May you like
But for the first time, I left the door open.
Across the hallway, Gabriel's light remained on until morning.
