Chereads / BACCARA: It's all an Illusion / Chapter 82 - Chapter 82 - Everything Went Wrong.

Chapter 82 - Chapter 82 - Everything Went Wrong.

Romanos Office

In the dim light of the dockyard office, Romano leaned back in his leather chair. The smell of salt and rust mixed with the cigar smoke in the air. The sound of waves hitting the docks played like a steady rhythm behind his thoughts. Romano was used to being in control, and every little movement outside his window could mean something-either a threat or a chance.

The door opened, and his secretary walked in with someone behind him-a new face. Romano's eyes narrowed as he sized up the stranger. The guy had a relaxed, confident vibe that made Romano uneasy. He knew everyone in his business, every face and name, and this guy was a complete unknown.

"Who the hell are you?" Romano asked, his voice low and steady, like the calm before a storm. "I don't know you."

The imposter looked around, his confidence slipping. "I'm-uh, I'm one of the guys here," he stammered, but Romano saw right through it. The guy's eyes were jumping all over the place, giving away his nerves.

"Doesn't look like it," Romano said, standing up from his chair. His tall frame cast a long shadow over the desk. He moved closer, and the air felt heavy with tension. "I know every worker in this yard. So, let's try this again-who are you, and what are you doing here?"

The imposter's calm act fell apart under Romano's intense gaze. "I'm just-"

"Just what?" Romano snapped, his voice sharp. He leaned in so close that the imposter could feel the heat from him. "You think this is a game? You think you can just walk in here and pretend you belong?"

The imposter's confidence crumbled, and he fell to his knees, trembling with fear. "Alright! Alright! Just-just don't hurt me!" His voice shook, and Romano felt a twinge of satisfaction at the guy's collapse.

"Speak," Romano said, his voice demanding an answer.

"Rodriguez sent me!" the imposter shouted, his eyes wide with fear. "I was supposed to-"

"Rodriguez?" Romano repeated, the name bringing a mix of surprise and curiosity. Rodriguez was like a mouse in the criminal world, a name people only mentioned while giving an example about being the scary cat. "Why would he send you here?"

"I'm serious, I'm just the messenger! He needs something, says it's really important!" The guy's hands shook as he begged Romano to believe him.

Romano studied the man's face, seeing the desperation in every line. This wasn't just any ordinary break-in. Rodriguez had something planned, and this guy was definitely part of it. Romano took a step back, his mind racing as he thought about what this could mean.

"Get up," he said, his voice still threatening but now mixed with curiosity. "We need to figure out what game Rodriguez is playing."

Rodriguez's House

Rodriguez stood in the dim light of his basement, a place where a lot of blood had been spilled and trust had been broken. The air smelled heavy with oil and metal as he paced in front of a table covered with weapons-guns, knives, and ammo. Each weapon glinted, a silent promise of the power they held and what was on the line. His men gathered around, their faces serious and determined. They were loyal, tough fighters, ready to back him up no matter what. Rodriguez looked at each of them, feeling the weight of their trust. This wasn't just another fight; it was a full-on war against Romano, a rival who had gotten too cocky and too comfortable.

"Listen up!" Rodriguez shouted, his voice cutting through the low murmurs. The room fell silent, and everyone turned to look at him. "We've been waiting too long for this. Romano thinks he can push us around and take what's ours without any consequences. He's dead wrong." He picked up a sleek handgun, checked it over, and then held it up for his crew to see. "This isn't just about territory; it's about respect. It's about trust. It's about showing him who's boss. We can't let this chance slip away."

The room was electric with tension, the air almost buzzing. Rodriguez saw the flames in their eyes, a shared thirst for revenge and recognition. He felt it too, a rush of adrenaline pumping through his veins. This was what he lived for the excitement of the game, the thrill of the chase. "Be good at it," he said, pacing slowly, his presence drawing everyone's focus. "We've got the surprise on our side. Romano's got his guards and his fancy dockyard, but we know the streets. We know how to stay hidden. We strike hard, we strike fast, and we make sure he knows who he's messing with."

He paused, looking each man in the eye, making sure they understood the gravity of his words. "If we don't take him down now, he'll come after us. He'll see this as a sign of weakness. And we all know what happens when you show weakness in this world." The men murmured their agreement, ready to do whatever it took. Rodriguez felt a surge of pride. These guys were his brothers, tested in the heat of battle, united by loyalty and a drive to win.

"Remember," he said, raising a fist, "this isn't just a fight; it's a war. Wars are won with strategy and blood. We go in, take control, and leave no room for doubt. If you see Romano, don't hesitate. Show him the wrath of Rodriguez." When he finished, the men cheered, their voices rising up, fired up with ambition and revenge. Rodriguez could feel the energy shift, a strong wave of determination sweeping through the room. They were ready, and so was he. "Gear up!" he shouted, his voice loud and clear. "We move at dusk. Make sure Romano remembers the name Rodriguez."

An hour later

The sleek black car sat quietly in the shadow of the old, rundown warehouse. The only sound was the soft hum of its engine in the heavy silence. Inside, Rodriguez leaned back in the leather seat, his eyes locked on the blueprint Gino had laid out on the hood. The dim light from the dashboard highlighted the tough lines of his face. He glanced at his men, who were all waiting for his next move. The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

They were on the brink of war. Rodriguez and his crew were just a short distance away from taking down the Romanos-his rivals. He'd spent months watching them, figuring out their routines and weak spots. Tonight was the night it all ended. The Romanos weren't easy targets.

Their hideout was like a fortress, with guards everywhere and cameras covering every inch. But Rodriguez wasn't worried about the defenses. He knew the Romanos too well-they were predictable and overconfident. That's why he had a plan-a solid strategy, his secret weapon. Gino had already done his part, making sure they could get in unnoticed and get out clean.

Rodriguez's voice broke the silence, deep and steady. "Alright, listen up," he said, looking over the men. "This isn't going to be easy. We go in quiet, we go in fast. No room for mistakes." One of his men, Luca, fidgeted with his gloves. "You want us to go through the back? You're sure it's clear?"

Rodriguez nodded and gestured toward the blueprint. "That's why we're going in through there. The front is locked down tight, but the back-Gino has the access. We hit it hard and fast. Move like shadows. Take them out, no shots unless we have to. We're not here to make noise." Gino, standing to the side, gave a quick nod, his job-his information was always reliable. If he said the back was clear, it was clear.

Rodriguez roared up again, his mind focused. "When we split up, stay low. Get to your spots and don't make a sound. We're moving in pairs-Luca and Tony, you take the left. Marco and Sam, you're with me on the right. We'll surround them and come in from both sides. Once we're in, we move fast-take them out quickly and quietly. Don't engage unless you have the upper hand. Got it?" Everyone grunted and nodded. They knew what was on the line.

Rodriguez's voice got softer, but his words still carried weight. "Be careful. These guys aren't amateurs. They'll be expecting us. You need to move like ghosts and leave like ghosts. No one should even know we were there. Got it?" Everyone murmured in agreement. "Great. Let's go."

The car doors opened quietly, and the men got out one after another, melting into the shadows as if they'd done it countless times before. Rodriguez was the last to move. He looked around carefully and touched the cool metal of the gun under his jacket.

The Romanos might have the numbers, but Rodriguez had the edge. He wasn't going to let them see him coming. Not tonight.

They would regret ever thinking they could stand in his way.

Romano Warehouse

Rodriguez crouched low behind a stack of crates, his heart thumping like the waves crashing against the dock. It was 2 AM, and the Romanos' dockyard was dark, except for the occasional flicker of security lights. He looked at his men, each one hidden in the shadows, ready for action.

They were set-thirsty for blood, eager to win. "Remember," he whispered, the air thick with tension, "move quiet, and take them out one by one." There were ten guards spread out, moving predictably in the stillness. Rodriguez felt a surge of confidence. This was his turf now.

Inside the warehouse, the darkness swallowed Rodriguez whole, and he stopped for a second to take it all in. "Gino," he whispered, "turn on the light." Gino fumbled for his flashlight and switched it on, the beam slicing through the dark.

As the light swept the room, something shiny caught Rodriguez's eye at the far end. A metal case locker stood there, looking like a treasure chest just waiting to be opened. His heart pounded with excitement; whatever was inside could give them a huge advantage. He could already picture the wealth, the weapons, the power it would give them over Romano.

Rodriguez didn't hesitate, moving closer with each step, driven by the excitement of the heist. But just as he got to the locker, the lights burst on, flooding the warehouse with bright light. Rodriguez stopped dead, a chill running up his spine as Gino's flashlight beam shook with shock.

"Good to see you," a voice called out, full of sarcasm and confidence. Rodriguez's heart sank as he turned to see Romano there, surrounded by his guards, all armed and ready. "Damn it," Rodriguez whispered, realizing too late that they had walked right into a trap. The thrill he felt just moments ago turned to fear. Romano had been waiting for him.

"Did you really think I wouldn't be ready for you?" Romano smirked, glancing at the fallen guards outside before looking back at Rodriguez. "You underestimated me, and you're gonna pay for it."

Rodriguez's mind was spinning. He had to think quick; there was no way out now. "Gino!" he hissed, getting ready to fight, his heart pounding. Romano's guards closed in, and the warehouse filled with the sounds of the fight. Rodriguez felt the rush of adrenaline, a fire burning inside him as he prepared to take back control.

Author's Note

Hello everyone:)

How are y'all? Hopefully doing good<3

I know it's been a while but now I'm finally here with a update;)

Happy reading<3

A little confusing chapter but a detailed one on it's way tomorrow<3

Have a good day/night everyone<3<3