Chapter 18 - The ArchitectSamuel Crowe entered Ravenwood without resistance.

That frightened Lorenzo more than an armed invasion.

He walked slowly.

Calmly.

Like the house belonged to him.

"You've grown into your father," Samuel said.

Lorenzo stood across from him.

"And you've aged badly."

Samuel laughed.

"Good."

Mara remained behind Lorenzo.

Her hand hovered near her weapon.

Samuel noticed.

"You won't need that."

"Why?"

"Because I came to offer you a choice."

"I don't want anything from you."

"You already have."

Samuel placed a folder on the table.

Inside were documents.

Birth certificates.

Death certificates.

Property transfers.

Medical records.

Photographs.

Lorenzo saw Lucia's name.

Then Emma's.

Then Vivien's.

Every important person in his life had a file.

Samuel smiled.

"Your father believed information was power."

"He was wrong."

"No."

Samuel shook his head.

"He was incomplete."

Lorenzo looked at him.

"What do you want?"

"The Duca empire."

"I won't give it to you."

"You misunderstand."

Samuel opened another document.

"I don't need you to give it to me."

He pointed to a clause.

"I only need you to die."

Silence.

"The marriage clause remains active."

Lorenzo looked at Vivien.

She understood immediately.

Samuel continued.

"Your death transfers control to your spouse."

"And then?"

"Vivien transfers control to a trust."

"Whose trust?"

Samuel smiled.

"Mine."

Lorenzo laughed.

"You think she'll sign?"

"No."

Samuel looked toward Vivien.

"I think you'll force her."

Vivien stepped forward.

"How?"

Samuel placed a photograph on the table.

It showed Emma leaving school.

Another showed Elena.

Another showed Lorenzo's mother.

Then Lucia.

"We don't need to hurt anyone."

Samuel's voice remained calm.

"We only need to make you believe we will."

Lorenzo stepped closer.

"You threaten my family."

"No."

Samuel smiled.

"I remind you what happens when people refuse to cooperate."

Then he turned toward the door.

Before leaving, he whispered:

"Your father spent his life trying to destroy me."

He looked back.

"He failed."

The door closed.

Lorenzo turned toward Vivien.

She was crying.

"I won't let him win."

Lorenzo took her hand.

"Neither will I."

Then Mara entered.

"We found Lucia."

Lorenzo looked up.

"Where?"

"At the airport."

"Is she safe?"

Mara's expression changed.

"No."

She placed a photograph on the table.

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Lucia was being escorted into a private jet.

And beside her stood Samuel Crowe.