Page 54 of House of Lies

There’s no bite in her words.

Maybe she won’t fight me as much as I think she will when I uproot her from this life and take her with me.

CHAPTER 32

Kaz

“You’re going to stay here with Domenico. Don’t do anything stupid, Caelia,” I warn her, my voice dangerous.

I can’t afford distractions right now. I have too much on my mind to worry about her. The party is in full swing, but there aren’t many people she could seek help from. The only person I’m concerned about is her sister, and she’s not here.

“I understand,” she replies.

I exchange a knowing look with Domenico. He knows he must always keep a close eye on her. She didn’t want to be here in the first place, and she might do something reckless. Ermanno’s business is crumbling. Even if I were to spare someone’s life to rebuild it, it would take years. I have destroyed all his shipments and business relationships. No one trusts an associate who can’t deliver on their promises. I expect to find Ermanno in his office, as he said he was expecting me. I head in that direction, adjusting the gun concealed under my jacket. The two men posted at the entrance don’t flinch as I pass between them. Why would they? I’m wearing the face of Ermanno’s son. I’m not being perceived as a threat.

Revenge is not as fulfilling as I anticipated. It’s too late to turn back now, and it won’t bring my father back. It won’t give me a father and the countless moments I could have shared with him. It will only add more blood to my hands. I have learned to live with it. It’s a given in this life. It’s disappointing, really. There’s no joy or excitement. I do this because I must.

I knock on Ermanno’s door.

“Come in,” he says.

His office is secluded at the back of the mansion, shielded from prying eyes. I find my father’s murderer alone, seated behind his extravagant desk. He doesn’t look well these days.

“You wanted to talk?” I feign interest.

We won’t have much time to talk. In a way, we will, but only because I want some answers before I end his life. Sevastyan wants me to take him by surprise, knowing that I’m the only person from the outside who can get close enough to him these days. However, I have taken the liberty of modifying the plan. Ermanno holds answers, and he will provide them to me. His head rests in his hands. I lock the office door. I don’t want us to be interrupted by his men.

“I wanted to discuss what has been happening recently. Have a seat,” he gestures to the chair in front of him.

I’ve grown accustomed to resisting the urge to kill him as soon as I set my eyes on him.

“I have a question for you as well,” I say with a deadpan expression, drawing the silencer and pointing the barrel at his head.

Ermanno freezes, staring at me blankly. The violent years of his past are reflected in his eyes, but he’s tired. He’s too old for this.

“Mattia? What are you doing?”

“Yeah, about that, Ermanno. I’m not Mattia.”

As I move around the desk, I press the gun barrel against his temple. I flip off the safety, a cruel smile spreading on my lips as he realizes his life is finally in my hands. A mix of emotions flicker across his face—fear, bewilderment, dread, and, surprisingly, confusion.

“What are you talking about, son? What’s gotten into you?” His brows furrow.

“Mordvinov,” I whisper. “Does the name sound familiar? It should, considering you killed my father.”

“What?”

Ermanno tries to make sense of what is happening—my mind races, as this is not the reaction I expected. The room is silent. Only the sound of our shallow breaths can be heard. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, taking in every detail of Ermanno’s face. I’ve dreamt of this moment for so many years, imagining what I would say to him and how I would make him suffer for what he did.

I could have shot him and ended his life, but I want to hear him beg for mercy and listen to his empty promises and lies. I need him to know that he won’t get off that easily.

“You can stop pretending now.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replies, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief.

“Allow me to refresh your memory. Fiona gave birth to twins.”

“She did, but one of them died at birth. What’s wrong with you?”