Nico had just turned to fight back when someone from the Massimo clan slipped through the chaos like a ghost.
Silent.
Deadly.
A glint of silver flashed behind him.
The blade sank deep into Nico's back—his weak spot.
Right under his shoulder.
Nico's body stiffened.
Then—
He dropped.
Hard.
Face-first onto the floor.
"THE KING IS DOWN!" someone shouted.
Luciano guards scrambled, but they were too slow.
Massimo men grabbed him fast—dragging Nico back like a prize.
---
Outside the mansion, the Massimo car waited.
Nico was barely conscious .
Blood soaking through his white shirt. Eyes half open. Breathing shallow.
Two masked men dragged him by the arms and shoved him into the backseat like he was just another body.
One of them turned to the crowd that had gathered—guards, staff, terrified guests too scared to move.
He pulled down his mask just enough to speak loudly.
"Bring us the Massimo heiress…"
He paused, looking right into the eyes of Nico's father.
