Chapter 14 - THE ROOM SHE CALLED HOME
Janevra's bedroom was supposed to be empty.
When Elio opened the door, Daario was standing inside.
Everyone had underestimated how many contingency plans he had prepared.
He had escaped custody during a staged medical transfer arranged by the last loyal member of his network.
Now he stood beside Janevra's mother’s restored painting holding a remote trigger.
Janevra entered behind Elio despite every order telling her not to.
Daario laughed.
"Of course she came."
Elio's voice was deadly calm.
"Let her walk out."
"And lose everything?"
"You already lost."
"No."
Daario looked at Janevra.
"She is everything."
Janevra finally understood.
The ports.
The trust.
The Vieira inheritance.
Her existence blocked every path Daario had built.
But he had made one mistake.
He assumed Janevra was still the sheltered bride from three months earlier.
She wasn't.
While Daario watched Elio, Janevra moved toward the antique wall panel.
She knew what was behind it.
A silent security switch Elio had installed after the gala.
Her finger pressed it.
Nothing visible happened.
But the east wing automatically sealed.
Doors locked.
Outside communications jammed.
Security moved.
Daario heard the locks.
His face changed.
He pressed the remote.
Nothing happened.
Bruno had already found and disabled the device.
Daario lunged toward Janevra.
Elio intercepted him.
They crashed against a table.
Janevra pulled away as security flooded the room.
Seconds later, Daario was restrained on the floor.
Alive.
Defeated.
Finished.
Elio turned toward Janevra.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then she crossed the room and kissed him.
Not because of an alliance.
Not because of duty.
Because she wanted to.
Later that night, after investigators left, Janevra found Elio sitting alone on the terrace.
She placed the annulment papers beside him.
Then tore them in half.
"I'm not staying because I have to."
Elio looked at her.
"Why are you staying?"
"Because now I get to choose."
Before he could answer, the family doctor called.
Janevra had undergone routine bloodwork after the warehouse incident.
The doctor sounded amused.
"Mrs. Vieira, there's something you should know."
Janevra listened.
May you like
Then slowly looked at Elio.
She was pregnant.
