Empire Of Shadows: Where Power Breeds Peril

Chapter One

Every corner of this city bows to me. Yet nothing feels secure anymore. The vultures are gathering, trying to let their voices out. It's time to put them in their place and remind them why I'm called, Leonardo." Mr. Leonardo angrily thought. being furious as he pounds his fist on his palm.

The door creaks open, and Elena enters

with a soft smile, placing a hand on her

swollen belly. "You're always in your own

world, aren't you? Even this late at night

you look troubled, husband! May I share

in your worries?"

Mr. Leonardo trying to put on a smile

not to get Elena too worried. As the

saying goes. 'every strong man, has

his own weakness. 'In Mr. Leonardo's

case, his family turns out to be his

weakness.

In a soft tone Mr. Leonardo mumbled

"Elena, though I'm feared by all. even

a whisper of my name causes many

to stumble. Yet there is one thing

I cannot control! fate."

He walked over to her, then tugged her

hair behind her ear, his eyes softened

and humbled. with a gentle look for a

man who is so dominant and feared

by all. Mr. Leonardo continued in a

cold tone. "But when I look at you

how strong a woman you are! I only

feel stronger. You and our son, are the

only thing that Makes me superior

over this fear."

Elena feeling his soft heart beat as she

rest her head on his chest. Quickly

withdrew her head, gazed at him.

"You always have your ways, no matter

how strong the danger poses to be.

You've always won. And if there is

anybody in the world that can face this

fear and come out winning. Then

that person, is you Leo." Elena

mumbling.

He chuckled pulling her into his arms.

But his smile faded quickly with his face

tightened as he senses danger around

him.

"I need to protect both of you. There's

unrest, whispers in town. Enemies I

thought were far gone, are resurfacing."

Mr. Leo mumbled touching her swollen

belly.

Hearing the uncertainty in Leo's voice,

Elena boldly intoned. staring him up.

"You've always been one step ahead,

Leo. You will protect us, I trust you."

He holds her closer feeling relieved,

with her Supportive words. The next

morning Mr. Leo got up, before the

shining of the day light. Stretching his

hand looking out for his phone. He

finally got hold of it, then scroll down

looking for Alex number. His trusted

right-hand man.

After dialing his number, it took a few

seconds, then Alex's voice echoed

into his ear, " Good morning Boss."

without even answering Alex's

greetings Mr. Leo anxiously uttered.

" I need You to gather all the boys,

I want to have a word with them."

Alex wondering what could have

been the case, for Mr. Leo to call for

this kind of meeting, this early. With

shivering in his voice, he mumbled.

"Yes Boss, right away."

Just in a short time after having an

underground meeting with his boys.

Mr. Leo was engaged In conversation

with Alex, discussing the recent threats.

As the tension intensifies.

"Boss, we have an Intel that some

board members in the corporation are

making moves. They're aligning with the

Mafia."

"Let them try. we will crush them like

others." Without letting Alex's words

drop to the ground. Mr. Leo in rage

uttered.

But Alex's expression remains gloomy,

staring at his Boss.

"There's something different, This time.

It's not just the usual power Play.

Someone is targeting your personal

life. Your family."

Mr. Leo's expression tightens, with a

dangerous gleam in his eyes. " They

dare come after Elena?"

"It's more than just her. They know

everything. they know about your

son."

For the first time, fear flickers across

Mr. Leo's face. Showing sign of

weakness in the presence of his boys.

He anxiously charged at Alex, grabbed

him by the collar And whispered "How

did they come to know about my son?

Knowing the implications of toying

With Mr. Leo and how sensitive the

matter is. Alex quickly cleared the air.

"Boss, we tried to contain it. But I

can't tell how it got out there.

I'm sorry Boss."

Alex struggling to speak, as Leonardo

tightened his grip on his collar

pressed to his neck. after a long

hearted banter, Leonardo let go of

Alex collar.

Though, Leonardo loves his wife

Elena. But when it comes to his heir,

the unborn child. He can take a life for

that.

"I need to move them tonight."

Mr. Leo in low voice, intoned.

Back at the mansion, Mr. Leo

With desperation, rushes to Elena

who is sitting in the bedroom,

reading. He grabs her hand.

"We need to leave now."

"Leo, what's wrong? What's

happening?" With panic in her voice.

Elena mumbled.

"There's no time to explain. it's not

safe here anymore. I'm taking you

somewhere safe."

Elena stands, sensing the gravity

in his voice.

"Is it the business? or the mafia?

With concern in her voice, she

uttered.

" Yes. and it's worse than we

thought."

But before they could leave, a loud

The explosion rocks the mansion.

The ground shakes and the windows

shatter. Leo immediately pulls

Elena to the floor, shielding her with

his body.

"Stay down." He shouted-out, still

trying to shield her from the

shattering of the glasses.

Gun fire erupts outside the mansion.

Leo's men rush to defend the estate

but the attackers are many. The

sound of chaos fills the air. Bullets

flying, screams and explosions.

Leo's heart pounds heavily as he

holds Elena close.

But just as they reach the door, a

man on mask appears, with a gun

raised. Leo reacted instantly, pulling

out his weapon and firing. The

attacker falls to the ground, but not

before pulling the trigger.

He turns to Elena with dread taking

over his heart.

She stands still, with her hand pressed

against her belly.

"Leo." Elena weakly intoned.

"No... no, no Elena..."

Leo in shock, uttered.