Ethan Sullivan knew the situation had escalated beyond control.
The police were already involved in the investigation.
Yet even seasoned officers found themselves at a loss.
The modus operandi clearly pointed to professional assassins.
What made matters worse—all incidents occurred overseas.
Cross-border law enforcement faced insurmountable obstacles.
The officer's voice held restrained urgency over the phone. "Mr. Sullivan, prepare for the worst."
"I understand. I'll cooperate fully with any requests."
Ethan responded with measured courtesy.
His expression darkened the moment the call ended.
The elderly butler stood silently nearby, heartache etched across his weathered face.
Having watched Ethan grow up, he recognized the storm beneath that calm facade.
The arrival of Sophia Sullivan had softened the young master's temperament.
But now, that long-dormant ferocity burned in Ethan's eyes again.
He wasn't one to wait passively for fate.
"Investigate Sicily. Focus on Mafia strongholds."
Ethan issued the order to Ian Watson.
"Understood."
Ian responded immediately.
Ethan replayed those Italian phrases in his mind.
Sicily had been explicitly mentioned—a critical lead.
The assassins likely originated from local crime syndicates.
Though Sophia's involvement remained unclear.
Ethan knew she'd never submit willingly.
This time, she'd acted solely to protect Emma.
Each update from his operatives deepened his grim resolve.
"The Mafia still has remnants—"
His grip tightened around the intelligence report.
Then his phone pinged with a location alert.
The sender ID flashed Sophia Sullivan's name.
Ethan's heart stuttered.
His immediate callback went unanswered.
The last coordinates placed her in Sicily.
Without hesitation, Ethan rose from his wheelchair.
He dressed swiftly, concealing a micro-tracker in his cufflink.
"Sophia's position may shift. She's in grave danger."
Ethan briefed Ian.
The ping originated from Sicily's derelict industrial zone.
A lawless maze of crumbling infrastructure.
Overt operations risked alerting their enemies.
A solo infiltration offered their best chance.
With backup tracking his signal covertly.
"Arm yourselves and set up ambush points."
"Eliminate those assassins before law enforcement intervenes."
Ian's concern surfaced.
"Sir, this could be a trap. What if they're luring you—"
Ethan silenced him with a raised hand.
Every minute wasted endangered Sophia further.
"Trap or not, I'm going."
"I owe her this."
His glacial tone brooked no argument.
"Coordinate with authorities for discreet surveillance."
"Sophia's safety takes absolute priority."
Ian blinked at the steel in his employer's voice. "Understood."
Never had he witnessed such unshakable resolve from the CEO.