Chapter 52

Vincent Lombardi sat grimly in his seat, his wrists shackled with reinforced handcuffs. He stared at the clouds outside the window, a flicker of resentment in his eyes.

This escape was meant to evade that mysterious master, yet he'd been outmaneuvered by an unexpected betrayal. If convicted of fraud, his carefully cultivated network would crumble.

As the plane touched down at the international airport, Vincent narrowed his eyes. Twelve hours in the air had given him clarity.

"Behave." One of Gabriel's men shoved him forward.

The terminal buzzed with activity. Vincent noticed a tall, impeccably dressed pilot nearby, drawing admiring glances from passersby.

"Captain Anderson. Fancy meeting you here." Gabriel greeted lazily.

Julian Anderson gave a slight nod, his gaze briefly landing on Vincent. In that instant, Vincent lunged.

A hidden talisman shot from his sleeve as he sprang toward Julian like an arrow.

"Look out!" Gabriel barked.

The talisman burst into ashes the moment it touched Julian's uniform. Before Vincent could reach him, a golden light repelled him, sending him crashing to the floor.

"Impossible..." Vincent gaped. Julian stood bathed in blinding golden radiance that seared his eyes.

Gabriel arched a brow and clapped Julian's shoulder. "Nice charm, brother-in-law."

Julian adjusted his tie with a sigh. "Just sunlight reflecting, Captain Macmillan."

Nearby flight attendants exchanged bewildered looks—the scene defied logic.

Restrained again, Vincent looked defeated. Decades of studying esoteric arts, yet he'd never seen such mastery of protective magic.

Then a porcelain-faced little girl came darting over.

"Daddy!"

Luna Fairsprene fluttered into Gabriel's arms like a butterfly, with Walter Deross shadowing her every step.

"Uncle Walter even guards the bathroom door!" Luna pouted. "He scared all my classmates!"

Gabriel ruffled her hair and frowned at Walter. "I told you to keep a reasonable distance."

Walter snapped to attention. "Priority one is the young miss's safety!"

Luna tugged Gabriel's sleeve. "Grandma threatened to break Uncle Walter's legs."

The boarding announcement echoed through the terminal. Julian nodded at Gabriel and left with his crew. As Vincent was hauled into a police van, his eyes burned into Julian's retreating figure.

"Wrap it up." Gabriel hoisted Luna onto one arm and pulled out his phone. "I need to call the kindergarten principal."

Walter followed closely, scanning their surroundings. Luna perched on her father's shoulder and stuck her tongue out at him.