“They have made a pact,” she continued.

“Richard’s political and financial power has combined with Salvatore’s street muscle.”

“What do they want?” I asked, though my throat was so dry the words barely came out.

Isabella looked at the three children huddled on the moving blankets.

“They want the triplets,” she said quietly.

The silence in the warehouse felt heavier than the concrete walls.

“They see the children as the ultimate leverage,” Isabella explained.

“Salvatore wants them to secure the Vale line and force you back into the family, Adrian.”

“And Richard wants them to force a settlement that puts the Hart family in control of our shipping assets.”

The words felt like lead in my chest.

I looked down at my children, who were shivering slightly in the damp air.

Noah was sucking his thumb, his eyes heavy with exhaustion, while Lena held her brother’s hand.

Adrian took a slow step toward them, his face pale but determined.

“They won’t touch them,” Adrian said, his voice dropping to a gravelly whisper.

“I will kill both of them before they get within a mile of my kids.”