2025-01-11 19:01:10Jake pulled out his phone and handed it to Anthony. On the screen was a photo taken earlier that night—of Anthony punching Felix. In the background, Catherine was watching with a smirk. But it wasn’t just the photo that caught Anthony’s attention. It was the caption beneath it:
“No one crosses Felix and walks away unscathed. Tick-tock, Anthony.”
Anthony’s blood ran cold. “This… this isn’t just about Catherine, is it?”
Jake shook his head. “Felix isn’t some random rich guy. He’s connected. Really connected. I’ve been digging into him, and he’s tied to people you don’t want to mess with.”
Anthony sank onto the worn-out couch, his head in his hands. “So, what do I do now? Apologize? Run?”
Jake hesitated. “I don’t think apologizing is going to cut it. And running? That might make things worse.”
Before Anthony could respond, the sound of tires screeching outside made both men jump. Jake rushed to the window and peeked through the blinds.
“Anthony,” he whispered urgently, “you’ve got company.”
Anthony joined him, and his breath hitched. A black SUV was parked in front of the building, its engine idling. Three men in dark suits stepped out, scanning the area like predators on the hunt.
“Those wer—I knew, Anthony. They were at the bar and they are Felix’s bodyguards. I knew Catherine told your address.” Jake said.
Anthony’s phone buzzed again. Another message from the same unknown number:
“You’ve got five minutes.”
Jake turned to him, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. “You wanted to stop being a victim? Well, here’s your chance. But you’ve got to make a choice—right now.”
Anthony clenched his fists, the fire in his chest reigniting. “I’m not running anymore.”
The pounding of heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway.
Anthony’s heart raced as the pounding on his door grew louder, more insistent. Jake grabbed his arm, pulling him toward the window.
“We need to move now!” Jake hissed.
Anthony shook him off, his jaw tightening. “I said I’m not running.”
Jake glared at him. “And what? You’re going to take on Felix’s goons barehanded in your crappy apartment? Be realistic, Anthony!”
The pounding stopped. The silence that followed was even more unnerving.
Then, a deep voice called from the other side of the door. “Anthony, we know you’re in there. Open up, and no one gets hurt.”
Jake cursed under his breath. “They’re bluffing.”
Anthony squared his shoulders, his fists clenching. “Maybe. But I’m not giving them the satisfaction of thinking I’m afraid.”
He strode toward the door, ignoring Jake’s protests. Grabbing a metal bat he kept by the coat rack, he held it tightly, his palms sweaty but his grip firm.
“Anthony, don’t be an idiot!” Jake hissed, darting toward the window and checking the street again.
Anthony opened the door just enough to see the men standing there. They were big, intimidating, and clearly not here to chat.
“Can I help you?” Anthony asked, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him.
One of the men, the tallest of the three, stepped forward, his cold eyes locking onto Anthony’s. “We’re here to deliver a message from Mr. Felix. He doesn’t appreciate being embarrassed, and he doesn’t like loose ends.”
The man smirked, revealing a gold tooth. “Consider this your warning.”
Anthony raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the doorframe despite his thudding heart. “This is your warning? Three of you against me? Seems like overkill for just a message.”
The man’s smirk faltered, and his eyes narrowed. “You’re either brave or stupid, kid.”
Jake, still at the window, suddenly tensed. “Anthony, we’ve got a bigger problem. There’s another car pulling up.”
Anthony’s grip on the bat tightened. “I think we’re done here. Tell Felix I got the message.”
The man chuckled darkly. “Oh, we’re not done.” He reached for something inside his jacket.
Before he could draw, Anthony slammed the door shut and bolted it, stepping back as Jake rushed over.
“What now, genius?” Jake asked, panic creeping into his voice.
Anthony’s mind raced. “We can’t stay here. They’ll break in any second.”
Jake glanced around the small apartment and spotted the fire escape. “That’s our way out. Move!”
As the men outside began pounding on the door again, Anthony and Jake scrambled toward the window. Jake climbed out first, the metal fire escape creaking under his weight.
Anthony followed, but as he stepped onto the platform, the door to his apartment burst open, and the men stormed inside. What makes him curious was that, Jake was so skilled in every moment he takes.
“Go, go!” Jake urged, already descending the ladder.
Anthony was halfway down when one of the men appeared at the window, a gun in hand. The sharp crack of a gunshot rang out, and Anthony felt the wind of the bullet as it narrowly missed him.
They reached the alley below, sprinting toward Jake’s motorcycle. Jake tossed Anthony a helmet.
“Get on!”
As they sped away, the black SUV roared to life behind them, its headlights glaring like twin predators in the dark.
Anthony clung to Jake as the motorcycle weaved through the city streets, the sound of the SUV’s engine growing louder.
“What’s the plan?” Anthony shouted over the wind.
Jake gritted his teeth. “The plan is to survive!”
As they approached an intersection, Anthony’s phone buzzed again. He pulled it out, his hand shaking.
Another message from the unknown number:
“You can’t run forever, Anthony. Tick-tock.”
The chase continued, the SUV closing the gap.
But as they rounded a corner, Jake skidded to a stop, his eyes wide. Standing in the middle of the street was the man Anthony had seen earlier—the one from the dark corner outside his building.
The man raised a hand, signaling for them to stop.
The SUV screeched to a halt behind them, its occupants stepping out cautiously.
“Who the hell are you?” Jake muttered.
The man smirked, his gaze locked on Anthony. “I told you to be careful, kid. Now it’s time to see if you’re ready for what’s coming.”
The tension in the air was palpable as the man stepped forward, his presence commanding enough to make even Felix’s goons hesitate.
“You’re dead.” the man grinned.
Previous Chapter
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The screech of tires echoed through the street as another black car emerged from the shadows, its headlights cutting through the darkness. Anthony recognized it instantly—it was the same car that had been following him earlier. The vehicle swerved between Jake’s motorcycle and the SUV, blocking Felix’s men from advancing any further. The car door opened, and a tall figure stepped out, cloaked in a black trench coat. “Y-You?” Anthony’s eyes widened. It was the guy from the restaurant earlier. And his voice... it was the same guy he saw a while ago. “Step back.” the man ordered, his deep voice calm yet commanding. Felix’s men exchanged uncertain glances before one of them sneered. “Who the hell do you think you are?” The man didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek handgun, pointing it directly at the lead thug. Anthony was very surprised. In his entire time being alive, it was the first time he had seen a real gun. “You don’t want to
The De Luca Heir 6: Baptism by fire
The man smirked. “You can call me Victor. Let’s just say I’ve been keeping an eye on Anthony. You two? You’ve become collateral in a game much bigger than you realize.” Anthony frowned. “Bigger? What are you talking about?” Victor walked over to the map, tapping one of the red dots. “Felix isn’t just some rich jerk throwing his weight around. He’s the son of a big group.” Victor said. Anthony's heart raced as Victor stared at him with an intensity that made him feel both uneasy and strangely significant. Jake shifted uncomfortably beside him, his gaze darting between the mysterious man and the high-tech command center surrounding them. Victor finally spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Anthony, you’ve been in the dark for too long. But it’s time you know the truth about who you really are." Anthony frowned, confusion mixing with frustration. "What are you talking about? I’m nobody. Just a guy trying to survive in this mess." Victor chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "You’re fa
The De Luca Heir 7: Shadows of the past
The hallway erupted into chaos as more men stormed in, their shouts and gunfire echoing off the walls. Anthony moved on autopilot, ducking and firing as Victor directed him through the melee. He didn’t feel the pain of his grazed arm or the ringing in his ears. All that mattered was survival. A sharp whistle cut through the noise, and Anthony turned to see Jake barreling through the side door, wielding a shotgun. “Thought you could use some backup!” Jake shouted, blasting an attacker who had crept up behind Victor. Victor nodded curtly. “About time. Hold the west wing! You're so good, kid. Where did you learn that?” Jake ignored him and motioned to Anthony. “You good, kid?” Anthony didn’t answer, his focus locked on the next wave of intruders. They moved with precision, their formation tighter, their aim deadlier. These weren’t grunts. These were the professionals Victor had warned about. Victor cursed under his breath. “This is Felix’s message. He’s not just testing you—he’s try
The De Luca Heir 8: Bloodlines and betrayal
“Dad!” Anthony yelled, struggling against Victor’s iron grip. His father lay crumpled on the ground, blood pooling beneath him, but his hand twitched as he tried to push himself up. Felix’s laughter cut through the tension, sharp and mocking. “Touching, really. But this is just the beginning, Anthony. You’re not ready for the weight of that crown.” He waved the detonator for emphasis. “You think you’ve won, but I always have the upper hand.” Anthony’s vision blurred with rage. “You’ll regret this, Felix.” Felix smirked, stepping back toward his car. “Oh, I don’t think I will. But feel free to try.” Before Anthony could break free, Victor snapped him back to reality. “Focus! He’s not out of reach yet.” Jake appeared at their side, weapon ready. “What’s the call, boss? Do we take him out or save your old man?” Anthony’s gaze darted between Felix retreating toward his SUV and his father gasping for breath on the cold concrete. Every fiber of his being screamed for vengeance, but th
The De Luca Heir 9: Spark of vengeance
Anthony hesitated for only a moment, his mind racing as the older man’s piercing gaze locked onto his. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “You know who that is?” Anthony didn’t break eye contact. “Should I?” Victor nodded. “Leonardo Moretti. Your father’s closest ally in the old days. If he’s here, it means he’s got a stake in this fight.” Jake, still catching his breath, muttered, “Or he’s here to claim the spoils.” Leonardo chuckled, as if hearing Jake’s skepticism. “I assure you, I’m not here to take anything from you, Anthony. I’m here to make sure you don’t lose everything your father built.” Anthony’s jaw tightened as he glanced back at the smoldering wreckage of the garage. His father’s blood still stained his hands, and Felix’s mocking laughter echoed in his mind. “Why now? Where were you when he needed you?” They put his dad inside the car and drove away. Leonardo’s expression turned cold. “Your father made enemies faster than he made allies. He kept
The De Luca Heir 10: The Heir's Revelation
The sterile lights of the hospital reflected off the polished floors as the team rushed Alexandro through the emergency entrance. Anthony walked beside the stretcher, his jaw clenched, his hands still smeared with his father’s blood. Victor stayed close, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Felix’s men, while Jake barked orders to secure the area. “We need a surgeon now!” Anthony shouted as the staff took over, wheeling Alexandro into the operating room. The doors swung shut with a metallic clang, leaving Anthony standing in the hallway, fists clenched in helpless frustration. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s tough, Anthony. He’ll pull through.” Anthony nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He didn’t want to lose his dad anymore. His parents were out of the picture of how many years and his grandma never told him the truth until she died. “I want to be with my family again, Victor.” he sighed. Victor understood him. He glanced at the folder Leonardo had given him,
The De Luca Heir 11: Hospital ambush
Anthony felt his pulse hammering against his ribs, the weight of his mother’s revelation pressing down on him like a vice. He shook his head, his breath coming in short, angry bursts. "What the hell are you saying? My father—betrayed Felix’s family?"His mother took a steadying breath. "It wasn’t supposed to happen like this, Anthony. Your father and Felix’s father, Robert, made an agreement years ago. A marriage was arranged between you and Felicima to solidify the alliance. It was meant to bring peace. But when Robert wanted your dad and our family to participate on their illegal businesses which our family never done, Alexandro—he went back on his word. He called off the engagement and set fire to everything that connected us to the Carbones. Your dad didn't want you to be one of them when he found out their dirty doings."Anthony’s chest tightened as he processed her words. He exhaled sharply, rage twisting inside him. "So Felix wants revenge because my father humiliated his famil
The De Luca Heir 12: New life and new world
The echoes of gunfire had finally faded, leaving behind only the scent of gunpowder and the wreckage of Felix’s failed ambush. Anthony stood amidst the carnage, his breath coming in sharp, heavy gasps. His body ached from the bruises and minor wounds he had sustained, but they had won. Felix’s men had either been taken down or forced to retreat.Leonardo wiped blood from his brow, glancing at Anthony. "We need to get out of here before more of them show up."Victor nodded. "We’ll regroup at the hospital, get patched up, and then move."They piled back into the SUV, the tension in the air thick despite their victory. The drive back to the hospital was quick but silent, each man lost in his thoughts. When they arrived, the doctors worked swiftly, stitching wounds and assessing their injuries. Anthony barely flinched as a nurse disinfected a gash on his arm. His mind was elsewhere—on the truth he was about to uncover.Once their wounds were tended to, they didn’t waste any time. They lef
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14: Losing a personal deal
Anthony turned his head, his grip on Harrington’s hand loosening slightly as he took in the woman who had just entered.Elena Russo.She was every bit as fierce and commanding as her reputation suggested—dressed in a sleek black suit that hugged her curves, her long, wavy brunette hair cascading over one shoulder. Sharp hazel eyes flickered between Anthony and Harrington as she strode inside with confidence, her heels clicking against the concrete floor.Harrington leaned back in his chair, clearly amused. “Elena, always one for dramatic entrances. What brings you here?”Elena smirked, her gaze locking onto Anthony. “I’m here because you’re making a deal that involves my logistics network, and I don’t recall giving my blessing.”Anthony’s jaw tightened. He had heard of Elena Russo—an independent powerhouse in the logistics world, supplying both legal and illicit clients. She controlled key shipping routes and warehouses, making her a crucial player in the game. If she was here, that m
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The echoes of gunfire had finally faded, leaving behind only the scent of gunpowder and the wreckage of Felix’s failed ambush. Anthony stood amidst the carnage, his breath coming in sharp, heavy gasps. His body ached from the bruises and minor wounds he had sustained, but they had won. Felix’s men had either been taken down or forced to retreat.Leonardo wiped blood from his brow, glancing at Anthony. "We need to get out of here before more of them show up."Victor nodded. "We’ll regroup at the hospital, get patched up, and then move."They piled back into the SUV, the tension in the air thick despite their victory. The drive back to the hospital was quick but silent, each man lost in his thoughts. When they arrived, the doctors worked swiftly, stitching wounds and assessing their injuries. Anthony barely flinched as a nurse disinfected a gash on his arm. His mind was elsewhere—on the truth he was about to uncover.Once their wounds were tended to, they didn’t waste any time. They lef
11: Hospital ambush
Anthony felt his pulse hammering against his ribs, the weight of his mother’s revelation pressing down on him like a vice. He shook his head, his breath coming in short, angry bursts. "What the hell are you saying? My father—betrayed Felix’s family?"His mother took a steadying breath. "It wasn’t supposed to happen like this, Anthony. Your father and Felix’s father, Robert, made an agreement years ago. A marriage was arranged between you and Felicima to solidify the alliance. It was meant to bring peace. But when Robert wanted your dad and our family to participate on their illegal businesses which our family never done, Alexandro—he went back on his word. He called off the engagement and set fire to everything that connected us to the Carbones. Your dad didn't want you to be one of them when he found out their dirty doings."Anthony’s chest tightened as he processed her words. He exhaled sharply, rage twisting inside him. "So Felix wants revenge because my father humiliated his famil
10: The Heir's Revelation
The sterile lights of the hospital reflected off the polished floors as the team rushed Alexandro through the emergency entrance. Anthony walked beside the stretcher, his jaw clenched, his hands still smeared with his father’s blood. Victor stayed close, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Felix’s men, while Jake barked orders to secure the area. “We need a surgeon now!” Anthony shouted as the staff took over, wheeling Alexandro into the operating room. The doors swung shut with a metallic clang, leaving Anthony standing in the hallway, fists clenched in helpless frustration. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s tough, Anthony. He’ll pull through.” Anthony nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He didn’t want to lose his dad anymore. His parents were out of the picture of how many years and his grandma never told him the truth until she died. “I want to be with my family again, Victor.” he sighed. Victor understood him. He glanced at the folder Leonardo had given him,
9: Spark of vengeance
Anthony hesitated for only a moment, his mind racing as the older man’s piercing gaze locked onto his. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “You know who that is?” Anthony didn’t break eye contact. “Should I?” Victor nodded. “Leonardo Moretti. Your father’s closest ally in the old days. If he’s here, it means he’s got a stake in this fight.” Jake, still catching his breath, muttered, “Or he’s here to claim the spoils.” Leonardo chuckled, as if hearing Jake’s skepticism. “I assure you, I’m not here to take anything from you, Anthony. I’m here to make sure you don’t lose everything your father built.” Anthony’s jaw tightened as he glanced back at the smoldering wreckage of the garage. His father’s blood still stained his hands, and Felix’s mocking laughter echoed in his mind. “Why now? Where were you when he needed you?” They put his dad inside the car and drove away. Leonardo’s expression turned cold. “Your father made enemies faster than he made allies. He kept
8: Bloodlines and betrayal
“Dad!” Anthony yelled, struggling against Victor’s iron grip. His father lay crumpled on the ground, blood pooling beneath him, but his hand twitched as he tried to push himself up. Felix’s laughter cut through the tension, sharp and mocking. “Touching, really. But this is just the beginning, Anthony. You’re not ready for the weight of that crown.” He waved the detonator for emphasis. “You think you’ve won, but I always have the upper hand.” Anthony’s vision blurred with rage. “You’ll regret this, Felix.” Felix smirked, stepping back toward his car. “Oh, I don’t think I will. But feel free to try.” Before Anthony could break free, Victor snapped him back to reality. “Focus! He’s not out of reach yet.” Jake appeared at their side, weapon ready. “What’s the call, boss? Do we take him out or save your old man?” Anthony’s gaze darted between Felix retreating toward his SUV and his father gasping for breath on the cold concrete. Every fiber of his being screamed for vengeance, but th
7: Shadows of the past
The hallway erupted into chaos as more men stormed in, their shouts and gunfire echoing off the walls. Anthony moved on autopilot, ducking and firing as Victor directed him through the melee. He didn’t feel the pain of his grazed arm or the ringing in his ears. All that mattered was survival. A sharp whistle cut through the noise, and Anthony turned to see Jake barreling through the side door, wielding a shotgun. “Thought you could use some backup!” Jake shouted, blasting an attacker who had crept up behind Victor. Victor nodded curtly. “About time. Hold the west wing! You're so good, kid. Where did you learn that?” Jake ignored him and motioned to Anthony. “You good, kid?” Anthony didn’t answer, his focus locked on the next wave of intruders. They moved with precision, their formation tighter, their aim deadlier. These weren’t grunts. These were the professionals Victor had warned about. Victor cursed under his breath. “This is Felix’s message. He’s not just testing you—he’s try
6: Baptism by fire
The man smirked. “You can call me Victor. Let’s just say I’ve been keeping an eye on Anthony. You two? You’ve become collateral in a game much bigger than you realize.” Anthony frowned. “Bigger? What are you talking about?” Victor walked over to the map, tapping one of the red dots. “Felix isn’t just some rich jerk throwing his weight around. He’s the son of a big group.” Victor said. Anthony's heart raced as Victor stared at him with an intensity that made him feel both uneasy and strangely significant. Jake shifted uncomfortably beside him, his gaze darting between the mysterious man and the high-tech command center surrounding them. Victor finally spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Anthony, you’ve been in the dark for too long. But it’s time you know the truth about who you really are." Anthony frowned, confusion mixing with frustration. "What are you talking about? I’m nobody. Just a guy trying to survive in this mess." Victor chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "You’re fa
