2025-01-11 19:48:32“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 the flicker of life in his father’s eyes tethered him.
“Victor, cover me!” Anthony ordered, shoving the pistol into Jake’s hand. “You two handle Felix—don’t let him get away. I’ll deal with my father.”
Victor nodded sharply. “You heard him, Jake. Move!” The two men sprinted toward Felix, bullets flying as they tried to close the distance.
Anthony dropped to his knees beside his father, his hands shaking as he pressed against the wound. “You’re going to be fine. Just stay with me.”
His father’s lips curled into a weak smirk. “I know, son. I'm a bad grass.”
“Shut up!” Anthony growled, pressing harder.
“Always so stubborn.” his father rasped, coughing up blood. “Just like your mother.”
Anthony’s stomach twisted. “Save your breath. We’ll talk about her later, when you’re out of here.”
Anthony turned slightly, catching the glint of metal near the wrecked black car. Felix’s men had planted more explosives.
“Damn it!” Anthony cursed under his breath, realizing the detonator Felix held wasn’t just for show. The entire area was a death trap.
His father grabbed his wrist, his grip surprisingly strong. “This family... this legacy... it’s yours now. Protect it... or destroy it. But don’t... let it control you.”
Anthony shook his head. “Yes, and we are in this together. Just stay here.”
A loud explosion rocked the garage as one of Felix’s SUVs went up in flames. Victor and Jake had managed to stop his escape, but the chaos drew closer. Felix’s laughter echoed again, this time more frantic, as he disappeared into the smoke.
Victor’s voice rang out. “Anthony! We’ve got to move!”
Anthony looked back down at his father and helped him.
Victor appeared, grabbing his shoulder. “Anthony, now! The car’s rigged!”
Anthony stood, the weight of his father pressing on him. He let Victor carry him away, but as they ran, something shifted in him—a fire ignited by loss and betrayal.
When they reached the exit, Jake was already there, panting but grinning. “Felix is gone, but he won’t get far. We left him a little surprise.”
Anthony nodded, his face unreadable. “Good. He’ll pay for everything.”
Victor watched him carefully. “You’re in charge now. What’s the move?”
Anthony turned to face the smoldering wreckage, the echoes of his father’s final words ringing in his ears. “We rebuild. And we strike back.”
The air hung heavy with the promise of vengeance as Anthony clenched his fists, his mind already racing with plans. Felix thought he’d won, but he’d just unleashed something far more dangerous: a man with nothing left to lose.
As Anthony stepped out into the night, a sleek black sedan pulled up. The window rolled down to reveal an older man with piercing eyes and a knowing smile.
“You’ve got your father’s fire.” the man said, his voice smooth. “Now let’s see if you’ve got his brains. Get in—we’ve got work to do.”
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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
The De Luca Heir 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
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
Latest Chapter
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
