2025-01-11 19:04:18The 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 far from a nobody, Anthony. Your bloodline makes you one of the most significant players in a world you’ve been blind to your entire life." He gestured to a monitor displaying a family tree. At the top was a name Anthony recognized: Don Lorenzo De Luca.
"De Luca? What does that have to do with me?" Anthony’s voice was laced with disbelief.
Victor stepped closer, his expression unyielding. "Lorenzo De Luca was your grandfather. The De Luca family isn’t just a clan; it’s the largest and most powerful syndicate in the country, with connections spanning continents. After Lorenzo’s death, the family splintered, and control passed to your uncle. But you… you are the true heir, Anthony. The rightful leader."
Jake’s jaw dropped. "Wait, hold up. Are you saying Anthony’s supposed to be some kind of mob boss?"
Victor nodded. "Precisely. And Felix? He knows. That’s why he’s after you. He’s working with remnants of rival families who want to ensure the De Luca bloodline is permanently erased. You’ve been a target all along, Anthony."
Anthony shook his head, stepping back. "This is insane. My grandma… she never told me anything about this. She was just a normal person."
Victor’s gaze softened slightly. "Your grandma left that life to protect you. But secrets like these don’t stay buried forever. Felix and Catherine? They were planted in your life to manipulate and control you. Every move they made was to ensure you never realized your true potential."
Anthony’s mind swirled as pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. Catherine’s sudden interest in him, her insistence on draining his finances, Felix’s hostility—it all made a twisted kind of sense.
"Why are you helping me?" Anthony asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Victor straightened, his demeanor resolute. "Because I owe your grandfather a debt I can never repay. Lorenzo saved my life and trusted me to protect his family. That responsibility now falls to you. Whether you accept it or not, the De Luca legacy is yours, and it’s time you decide what to do with it."
Before Anthony could respond, an alert flashed on another monitor. Victor’s face darkened. "Felix’s men are closing in again. They won’t stop until they have you."
Jake grabbed Anthony’s arm. "Dude, this is crazy. What are you going to do?"
Anthony clenched his fists, his anger bubbling to the surface. "I don’t know if I’m ready for all this, but I’m not going to let Felix or anyone else control me anymore."
Victor smiled approvingly. "Good. Then let’s show them what happens when they underestimate a De Luca."
The sound of tires screeching echoed from the garage below, followed by the clatter of boots approaching. Victor tossed Anthony a pistol, his expression deadly serious.
"Your move, Anthony. Prove you’re ready to claim what’s rightfully yours."
As the first gunshot rang out, Anthony knew there was no turning back.
The pistol felt foreign in Anthony’s hand, heavier than he imagined but lighter than the weight on his shoulders. His pulse thundered in his ears, drowning out the chaos as Victor barked commands to the men stationed around the mansion.
“Secure the perimeter! No one gets through!” Victor ordered, his voice cutting through the panic like a blade.
Anthony pressed himself against the wall, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He peered out a nearby window, catching a glimpse of black SUVs blocking the driveway. Men in tactical gear spilled out, armed to the teeth. The emblem on their sleeves was unmistakable—Felix’s crew.
“You’re thinking too much.” Victor growled, yanking Anthony back from the window. “In this world, hesitation gets you killed. You want to live? You act. Now.”
The sound of a door crashing open sent Anthony’s heart into overdrive. Heavy boots thudded against the marble floors, drawing closer. He tightened his grip on the pistol, his fingers slick with sweat.
Victor crouched low, his eyes sharp and calculating. “They’ll come in waves. First, the grunts. Sloppy but dangerous. Then the professionals. Stick close, follow my lead, and don’t miss.”
Anthony nodded, though his stomach churned with dread. He wasn’t ready for this. He wasn’t a killer. But as the first intruder rounded the corner, rifle raised, instinct took over.
The man never saw it coming. Victor fired first, a clean shot to the chest. The intruder crumpled to the ground, his weapon clattering beside him.
“Now!” Victor barked.
Anthony barely had time to think. Another man charged in, his gun aimed directly at him. Anthony pulled the trigger, the recoil jolting up his arm as the bullet struck its mark. The man dropped, and Anthony stared at the body, his breath hitching.
“Don’t freeze!” Victor snapped, shoving him forward. “This is just the beginning.”
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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 1: Proposal went wrong
"Anthony, I’m sorry, but I’m breaking up with you.” Catherine’s words echoed through Anthony’s mind like a cruel mantra, each syllable heavier than the last. The world around them seemed to slow, but the reality of the crowded café didn’t. The clinking of cups and muffled chatter continued, punctuated by hushed gasps and whispered judgments. He knew people were watching. In his hand, the small velvet box felt heavier than ever. Inside was the modest ring he had saved up for months to buy. With trembling hands, he snapped it shut and smiled bitterly, masking the storm inside him. “Oh my gosh. She rejected him.” a woman’s voice whispered behind him, loud enough to be heard. “Serves him right. Look at that ring—it’s so cheap! And him? Ew. He smells awful.” another chimed in, her voice cutting through him like shards of glass. Anthony’s face flushed a deep crimson. He swallowed hard, resisting the lump in his throat. Slowly, he stood, slipping the ring into his pocket, his eyes dar
The De Luca Heir 2: The truth
“What the hell was that?” Jake asked, his arms crossed and fury blazing in his eyes. Anthony just shook his head and sighed. “Jake, don’t say anything. Catherine apologized and said we are still together.” he said. Jake’s eyes widened. “Are you out of your mind, bro? Can’t you see it? She just said that to get money from you. I can’t believe you!” he walked out angrily. Anthony just groaned and took a deep breath. Suddenly, someone caught his attention. He saw the guy wearing a black tuxedo he had also seen from the cafe yesterday. “I am sorry, do I know you?” he asked the guy. He must be on his 40’s already. The guy smiled at him and shrugged his shoulder. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to dwell with your own business, but I couldn’t help but stir up. We don’t know each other, but I remember you. You were the guy who was rejected by his girlfriend at the cafe yesterday, right?” he chuckled. Anthony suddenly became shy. “Y-Yes.” he said. “I was right then. Just a little advice
The De Luca Heir 3: Caught in the act
She looked up, her eyes widening in shock before narrowing in irritation. The man beside her raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. “Anthony? What are you doing here?” Catherine asked, her tone sharp. Anthony ignored her question, his gaze fixed on her. “Is this your grandma’s house? Or is this where you needed to be so badly?” Catherine’s face flushed, but she quickly regained her composure. “It’s not what it looks like. This is just... a friend.” The man smirked, clearly unfazed. “Friend, huh? Cath, why don’t you just tell him the truth?” “What truth is he talking about, babe?” Anthony’s fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. The betrayal he felt was unlike anything he’d experienced before. “Catherine... why?” She rolled her eyes, her annoyance now evident. “Oh, come on, Anthony. Don’t make a scene. We were never going to work out. You’re... you’re just not what I need.” Anthony’s heart shattered, but this time, anger burned through the pain. “You could’ve told me
The De Luca Heir 4: Big problem
Jake 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 go
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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
5: Questions
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
4: Big problem
Jake 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 go
3: Caught in the act
She looked up, her eyes widening in shock before narrowing in irritation. The man beside her raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. “Anthony? What are you doing here?” Catherine asked, her tone sharp. Anthony ignored her question, his gaze fixed on her. “Is this your grandma’s house? Or is this where you needed to be so badly?” Catherine’s face flushed, but she quickly regained her composure. “It’s not what it looks like. This is just... a friend.” The man smirked, clearly unfazed. “Friend, huh? Cath, why don’t you just tell him the truth?” “What truth is he talking about, babe?” Anthony’s fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. The betrayal he felt was unlike anything he’d experienced before. “Catherine... why?” She rolled her eyes, her annoyance now evident. “Oh, come on, Anthony. Don’t make a scene. We were never going to work out. You’re... you’re just not what I need.” Anthony’s heart shattered, but this time, anger burned through the pain. “You could’ve told me
2: The truth
“What the hell was that?” Jake asked, his arms crossed and fury blazing in his eyes. Anthony just shook his head and sighed. “Jake, don’t say anything. Catherine apologized and said we are still together.” he said. Jake’s eyes widened. “Are you out of your mind, bro? Can’t you see it? She just said that to get money from you. I can’t believe you!” he walked out angrily. Anthony just groaned and took a deep breath. Suddenly, someone caught his attention. He saw the guy wearing a black tuxedo he had also seen from the cafe yesterday. “I am sorry, do I know you?” he asked the guy. He must be on his 40’s already. The guy smiled at him and shrugged his shoulder. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to dwell with your own business, but I couldn’t help but stir up. We don’t know each other, but I remember you. You were the guy who was rejected by his girlfriend at the cafe yesterday, right?” he chuckled. Anthony suddenly became shy. “Y-Yes.” he said. “I was right then. Just a little advice
