52. He Will Pay

A loud crash shattered the perfect moment, drawing everyone’s attention to the garden’s entrance. Antonio’s men tensed, their hands moving instinctively toward their concealed weapons. Antonio’s grip on Valerie tightened protectively. “What was that?” Valerie whispered, her heart pounding with fear. Antonio’s jaw clenched. “Stay close to me,” he ordered, his voice low and urgent. Were they being attacked? River jumped up from his seat, his eyes blazing. “It seems we have uninvited guests,” he said, his voice laced with tension. Before anyone could react, a group of masked men burst into the garden, their faces hidden behind black balaclavas. They were armed, their presence menacing as they advanced toward the gathering. “Everyone, get down!” Antonio barked, his voice commanding and authoritative. Valerie’s heart raced with terror. She clung to his arm, her fingers digging into his suit jacket. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” Antonio quickly reassured her. Gunfire erupted, the sha