Chapter 8 - THE NIGHT THE GARDEN GATES WERE OPENED
Vincent's retaliation began quietly.
A security camera stopped working.
A service gate was found unlocked.
A delivery schedule was altered.
Marcus Bell, the estate's security chief, reported the irregularities to Alessandro.
He immediately ordered a review.
That night, Giovanni was walking through the garden with his physical therapist when an unfamiliar vehicle appeared near the service entrance.
The driver claimed to be delivering medical supplies.
But no delivery had been scheduled.
Security stopped the vehicle.
The driver attempted to leave.
Police were called.
Investigators later discovered that the delivery documentation was forged.
The incident frightened Giovanni.
Not because he believed he was helpless.
But because he understood Vincent's methods.
Meline learned about the attempted intrusion the following morning.
She called Giovanni.
He answered.
“I'm fine, sweetheart.”
She sighed.
“You sound tired.”
“I'm old.”
“That's not an excuse.”
He laughed.
Then he became serious.
“Meline, don't come here for a few days.”
She frowned.
“Why?”
“Because I don't want you caught in family trouble.”
Meline respected his request.
But she worried.
Alessandro called her that evening.
“I wanted to thank you for checking on him.”
She smiled faintly.
“He's my friend.”
“I know.”
A pause.
“Meline.”
“Yes?”
“Are you safe?”
She looked around her small apartment.
“Yes.”
“Good.”
He hesitated.
Then said:
“I miss talking to you.”
Meline's heart stumbled.
She smiled.
“Then perhaps you should call more often.”
May you like
For the first time, Alessandro laughed without restraint.
And despite everything happening around them, Meline found herself smiling long after the call ended.
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