Chapter 133

Giovanni

I didn't move a muscle as I saw Ellie creeping up behind the intruder.

Jesus, what the hell was this woman doing? I told her to stay in the panic room!

With every fiber of my being, I willed Ellie to stay hidden, to wait for the right moment. My muscles tensed, ready to react at a split second's notice.

The masked man's grip on the gun tightened, his stance aggressive and threatening. I couldn't risk making a move without knowing Ellie was safe.

Ellie's eyes met mine briefly, a silent exchange passing between us. I saw determination and trust in her gaze, a fierce loyalty that I had never experienced before. It fueled my resolve to protect her at all costs.

"You have nowhere to run, Giovanni," the intruder hissed.

"I am not trying to run. This is my house," I snarled at him.

The intruder laughed, a cold and sinister sound. "You may own this house, but you don't own me. And right now, I am in control."