Ahead, the wrought-iron gates of the Vega estate loomed, partially open, a subtle but deliberate message. They didn't expect her to come, or perhaps they didn't care if she did. Beyond the gates, the sprawling villa sat in silence, its lights dim, its windows like hollow eyes watching her approach.
"Elena," Matteo hissed from behind her, his voice low but urgent. He stepped out of the car, his damp suit clinging to his muscular frame. "This is reckless. We should regroup, wait until we have more leverage."
She turned to him, her dark eyes fierce, unyielding. "If I wait, Matteo, someone else will claim what's mine. My father's blood is barely dry, and they're already circling like vultures. Do you think they'll give me time to mourn? No. Tonight, I remind them who I am."
Matteo hesitated, the muscles in his jaw tightening. He was a man of action, a fighter, but even he understood the dangerous game she was about to play. "Then let me go in first," he urged.
She shook her head, stepping past him. "This is my fight."
The grand foyer of the Vega estate was eerily quiet when she entered, the heavy oak doors creaking shut behind her. The gathered crowd, a mixture of the family's most powerful allies and enemies, turned to look at her. Men in tailored suits leaned against marble pillars, their gazes sharp and assessing. Women in expensive dresses whispered behind jeweled hands.
At the center of the room stood Vittorio Vega, her uncle, a man who had spent decades building his power in the shadows. His salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back, his angular features sharpened by the dim light. He smiled as she approached, but the warmth didn't reach his eyes.
"Elena," Vittorio said, his deep voice carrying over the murmurs. "What an unexpected surprise. I didn't think you'd come tonight."
"And let you carve up my father's empire without me?" Elena shot back, her voice cold and unwavering. "I don't think so."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room. Vittorio chuckled, spreading his arms as if welcoming her. "My dear niece, this isn't about carving anything up. This is about preserving the family, ensuring its survival after your father's... unfortunate demise."
Her jaw tightened. "Spare me the lies, Uncle. You've been waiting for this moment for years. But let me be clear: the Vega name is mine to protect, and I won't let you or anyone else take it from me."
The room fell silent. For a moment, all that could be heard was the faint patter of rain against the windows. Vittorio's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating stare.
"You're bold," he said, stepping closer to her. "But boldness won't keep you alive in this world. You're young, inexperienced, and too soft to lead. The council knows it. The men know it. Even you know it."
Elena stood her ground, her fists clenched at her sides. "You think I'm soft? Then test me. I've survived more than you could imagine. I've buried friends, family, and now my father. If you think I'll bow to you, you don't know me at all."
Before Vittorio could respond, a sudden commotion erupted near the back of the room. The heavy oak doors burst open, slamming against the walls. A man stumbled in, clutching his side, blood seeping through his fingers.
"They're here!" he gasped, collapsing to the floor.
Panic rippled through the room. Men reached for their guns, shouting orders as the sound of tires screeching and engines roaring filled the air. The distant thunder of the rain was drowned out by the unmistakable staccato of gunfire.
Matteo appeared at Elena's side, his gun drawn. "We need to get out of here, now."
"No," Elena said, her voice sharp and commanding. She turned to the room, her gaze sweeping over the men who had doubted her. "This is my house. My family. No one runs."
"Elena-" Matteo began, but she silenced him with a glare.
"Enough," she said, pulling a gun from the holster beneath her coat. The weight of it was familiar, comforting. "If anyone wants to challenge my leadership, now's the time. Otherwise, pick up a gun and defend what's ours."
For a moment, no one moved. Then, slowly, one of the older men-one of her father's loyalists-nodded and drew his weapon. Others followed suit, and the room buzzed with a renewed energy.
Elena turned to Vittorio, whose smirk had returned. "You wanted to see if I could lead?" she said, her voice low but fierce. "Watch closely."
The first wave of attackers burst through the doors, guns blazing. The air filled with the deafening roar of gunfire and the acrid smell of gunpowder. Elena ducked behind a marble pillar, her heart racing as she fired back.
Matteo was at her side, covering her as they moved. "This isn't just a random attack," he said between shots. "Someone tipped them off. Someone inside."
Elena's blood ran cold, but she pushed the thought aside. She couldn't afford to dwell on betrayal now. She aimed and fired, the recoil jolting through her arm as an attacker fell.
This was her moment, her trial by fire. The Vega name was more than blood and legacy-it was power. And tonight, Elena Vega would prove she was strong enough to wield it.
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