The place landed in Italy.
They were all meant to be in Canada, but the mountain villa had collapsed because of the earthquake. The sudden disaster had changed everything. There had been no time to argue, no time to question the decision, and certainly no time to return to their original plans.
They had taken Lilith to another location.
Another country.
Italy.
The private aircraft finally touched down, and the moment the wheels met the runway, Lilith's tears began falling again.
She had cried all night.
Amelia and Gloria had stayed beside her the entire time, comforting her whenever another wave of fear overwhelmed her. They had explained everything to her—the plans, the attacks, the people hunting them, the changes they had been forced to make, and everything that had happened since the mountain villa had collapsed.
Lilith stared down at her legs.
Her voice trembled.
"I can't walk anymore?"
Amelia immediately knelt beside her.
"You will walk, boss."
Gloria nodded firmly.
"And we got some A-list specialists for you."
Lilith looked at them through tear-filled eyes.
"You promise?"
"We promise," Emilia said.
The girls carefully placed her into the wheelchair.
Once she was settled, they pushed her through the private airport exit.
Outside, several black luxury cars were already waiting.
The guards opened the doors.
Everyone got inside.
The convoy moved away from the airport.
For forty minutes, they drove through the Italian countryside.
The scenery gradually changed.
The busy roads disappeared.
The buildings became fewer.
The roads became quieter.
The mountains grew larger.
Eventually, they arrived at an extremely hidden private estate in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Veneto, Italy.
The guards immediately moved toward the convoy.
They checked every vehicle and every person before finally recognizing Lilith.
"Welcome, Mrs. Nikolai!" they said together.
They bowed.
Lilith folded her hands politely toward them.
The enormous titanium gates slowly opened.
The cars drove through.
The girls stared through the windows.
"Woahhhhhhh!"
They couldn't believe what they were seeing.
There were different mansions of different sizes scattered throughout the mountains.
People lived there.
Some were older residents.
Some were new.
The entire place carried a quiet, unmistakable moneyed atmosphere.
There were no crowded streets.
No noisy traffic.
No commercial buildings.
No tourists.
Only enormous estates hidden among trees.
The convoy continued deeper into the private mountain community.
Then they passed a huge mountain.
The cars finally stopped.
The doors opened.
Everyone stepped out.
They stared.
Hidden high within a vast forested mountain range stood the $6 billion private estate.
It wasn't designed to dominate the landscape.
It was designed to become part of it.
Its architecture took inspiration from brutalism, with enormous raw concrete forms, monolithic walls, sharp geometric lines, deep overhangs, floor-to-ceiling glass, dark stone, and blackened steel.
Yet instead of appearing harsh or industrial, the residence was softened by forests, moss, waterfalls, gardens, and the natural contours of the mountain.
The estate occupied an enormous private mountainside surrounded by dense evergreen forests, rocky cliffs, alpine meadows, natural streams, and distant snow-capped peaks.
The main residence was built directly into the slope, with several sections disappearing beneath the earth.
From a distance, much of the property looked like a series of enormous dark stone and concrete terraces emerging from the mountain rather than a conventional mansion.
The exterior was predominantly charcoal concrete, blackened stone, smoked glass, dark steel, and natural timber.
Vegetation grew across portions of the roof terraces while mature trees surrounded the buildings so closely that some rooms appeared to be suspended inside the forest.
Large sections of the roof became landscaped gardens, allowing grass, moss, shrubs, and small trees to grow directly above the structure.
Rather than flattening the mountainside, the architects had preserved its natural elevation changes.
The house followed the mountain instead of forcing the mountain to follow the house.
Roads curved naturally around existing rock formations.
Terraces stepped down the slope.
Enormous concrete retaining walls were incorporated into the landscape.
But the estate wasn't completely isolated.
It was actually a private residential community of several neighboring estates rather than a single isolated mansion.
Around the main residence were eight to twelve enormous private properties.
Each was separated by substantial natural woodland, mountainside gardens, streams, and carefully preserved forest.
Every neighboring estate had its own architecture, driveway, gardens, guest residence, and private outdoor spaces.
Yet they all shared the same secluded mountain environment.
Despite their enormous value and scale, the neighboring estates were peaceful rather than extravagant in appearance.
There were no skyscrapers.
No commercial buildings.
No noisy roads.
No crowded developments.
From one residence, another might only occasionally be visible through the trees.
The central estate was surrounded by private walking trails, secluded gardens, mountain ponds, waterfalls, meditation gardens, wildflower meadows, and enormous terraces overlooking the valley.
There were no bright city lights at night.
Instead, the property was illuminated with subtle architectural lighting that followed pathways, stone walls, trees, and water features.
The main residence itself was effectively a horizontal architectural fortress disguised as a luxury retreat.
It spread across multiple levels of the mountain.
Inside were enormous living spaces, private suites, libraries, offices, lounges, dining rooms, indoor gardens, wellness areas, entertainment rooms, guest wings, staff quarters, and panoramic observation spaces.
The most spectacular spaces faced the mountains.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls opened toward enormous valleys, allowing the surrounding forest and mountains to become part of the interior.
Some living rooms were carved directly into the rock.
Others projected dramatically over the mountainside.
At the heart of the estate was a vast sunken courtyard surrounded by raw concrete walls and mature trees.
A long reflecting pool ran through its center, creating an almost monastery-like atmosphere.
Rainwater fell from the surrounding rock into a natural pool while moss-covered stone pathways led through the gardens.
Below the residence, portions of the mountain contained extensive underground infrastructure, including private parking, storage, utilities, service areas, and interconnected internal circulation spaces.
From above, almost none of this was visible.
The mountainside simply appeared to continue naturally beneath the landscaped terraces.
The estate also had its own private mountain road network, allowing residents and neighboring estates to move around the property without disturbing the peaceful central grounds.
The roads were narrow, heavily landscaped, and followed the natural contours of the mountain.
There was also a private mountainside lake surrounded by pine trees and enormous granite formations.
A secluded pavilion sat beside the water, providing a quiet place for dinners, gatherings, reading, or simply watching the mountains.
The overall atmosphere was quiet, secluded, wealthy, and almost otherworldly.
Despite the $6 billion valuation, the estate did not feel like a flashy billionaire compound.
It felt like an ancient mountain sanctuary that happened to contain extraordinarily advanced luxury.
The greatest luxury wasn't gold or excessive decoration.
It was space.
Silence.
Nature.
Privacy.
And the feeling of being completely removed from the outside world.
In the daytime, sunlight moved across the raw concrete, glass, trees, and mountains.
At sunset, the entire estate became dark and atmospheric, with warm light glowing from beneath the concrete terraces.
At night, the neighboring estates disappeared into the forest, leaving only scattered warm lights between the trees and an enormous sky filled with stars.
It was a $6 billion brutalist mountain sanctuary built around nature, surrounded by equally prestigious private neighbors, yet peaceful enough to feel as though there was nobody else in the world.
"Mrs. Lilith, let go," the guards said.
They carefully wheeled her inside.
Lilith looked around silently.
The girls followed her.
They were Nikolai's most trusted female group.
There were twelve women.
Sophie was half Swiss and half Colombian.
She was known as The Grave Angel.
Chiara was half Italian and half Lebanese.
She was The Phantom.
Rhea was half Armenian and half American.
She was The Blood Oracle.
Nari was half South Korean and half French.
She was The Silent Reaper.
Dora was half Croatian and half Brazilian.
She was The Venomess.
Riona was half Irish and half Moroccan.
She was The Night Viper.
Lerato was half South African and half Portuguese.
She was The Crimson Widow.
Chloe was half Australian and half Turkish.
She was The Dark Angel.
Mara was half Filipina and half Spanish.
She was The Silent Blade.
Kanya was half Thai and half Mexican.
She was The Death Siren.
Ning was half Chinese and half British.
She was The Grave Rose.
Daniela was half Russian and half Danish.
She was The Widow Queen, the supreme leader of the women.
Together, they were called The Ebon Widows.
Nikolai's most dangerous and trusted female group.
Meanwhile, Nikolai sat in the darkness.
Lilith's words echoed through his mind.
He rubbed his hands together.
"Boss, we are moving closer, boss," Damian whispered.
"Good," Nikolai replied.
His eyes remained cold.
"Morictia was just a pawn to get to the main person behind everything."
Meanwhile, Morictia sat inside a room.
She still didn't know what was really happening.
"I gave you half of his company, and I keep him," she said.
Blackstrom handed her the file.
The older man blew smoke from his cigarette.
"I want full," he said.
Black Shoe automatically placed a tracker while he handed her the information.
Then he gave a secret sign.
Robots moved silently.
Tiny bugs crawled across the room.
"I keep half to control him," Morictia said.
"That will be under me. Remember, I got you out of jail. I want all his underground work and his wife. Find her at any cost, or else I will end you and find someone else. So be fast," he said.
Morictia rolled her eyes.
"Well, I told him I'm carrying his child. He will have to bend to my will," she said.
Blackstrom made a tight fist.
"I want his downfall," he said.
"You will get it."
She smiled.
"His wife is the Leader of Nocturne."
Morictia said it proudly.
The man's eyes widened.
"What!?"
"Yes. They attacked me and said we hurt their leader. I will kill her and be the leader," she said.
"You better make it happen."
"You have my word."
Their glasses clicked together.
But they didn't know they were being watched.
The Apex Monstrosity listened to every single word while smoking.
The location finally became locked.
His eyes narrowed.
"Finally found you, bastard."
He typed rapidly on his keyboards.
Morictia eventually came home with a group of women.
"Mr. Nikolai," Mrs. Flo said.
Nikolai barely looked up.
"I am not the father of that bastard in her tummy. She came into my room while I was asleep and lay on me just to make my wife think I slept with her. Whatever she has shown you and told you is fake."
He continued typing.
"My wife is missing. I am looking for her."
"He's lying!" Morictia shouted through her tears.
"We have the video of you forcing yourself on her," Mrs. Flo said.
Nikolai finally looked at her.
"I don't have a back tattoo. I have scars on my back. So that wasn't me."
Mrs. Flo looked at Morictia.
Nikolai returned to his work.
"Please leave my house. I'm busy with work."
"You have to listen to us!" another woman said.
"No."
He closed his laptop.
"Now you listen to me."
His voice became colder.
"I don't care if you post or do anything. I don't care if this shit continues. I will bring hell upon your organization."
He stepped closer.
"Don't forget. He rules Russia."
He whispered the words into Mrs. Flo's ear.
She immediately backed away in fear.
Nikolai's eyes darkened.
"I think it's time I reset Russia's mind to make them remember who I am."
Five months.
That was the amount of time that had passed since everything began.
"She is four months pregnant. Be by her side, and we will not post this on the news and charge you to court," Mrs. Flo said.
Nikolai grinned.
"In the five months, three months from now, I will make you all regret it."
Morictia wiped her tears.
She held his arm.
"He will take good care of me."
She smiled.
"Thank you for your support, and I will invite you for my baby shower."
They hugged her.
"The money has been sent to your account," Morictia whispered into Flo's ear.
Flo smiled.
Two weeks later…
The Apex Monstrosity and both his groups were disguised as workers.
The man who had been talking to Morictia two weeks earlier was Don Ignatius.
He sat comfortably while smoking and drinking.
"Welcome, gentlemen, for coming to today's auction."
He gestured toward the enormous warehouse.
"We have deals—weapons from the NK Industries worth ₽6 trillion."
The men around him cheered.
"We can now overthrow Nikolai and take what we want!"
The crowd celebrated.
The Sneaky Blade moved silently.
Fuel poured everywhere throughout the warehouse.
Nobody noticed.
Don Ignatius raised his glass.
"My son will personally handle it."
His son, Marks, stood up.
Marks was Yulian former best friend.
"Lian, get ready," he said with a smirk.
Then—
Clap.
Clap.
Clap.
Clap.
The sound echoed through the warehouse.
Everyone froze.
The Apex Monstrosity was clapping slowly and loudly.
He stood up.
The men recognized him.
"Y… You," Marks said.
The Apex Monstrosity smiled.
"You made my brother a drug addict, and your father stole from me using that bitch."
He took another drag from his cigarette.
"So now I'd like to return the favor."
The guards immediately pointed their weapons at him.
He chuckled.
Both groups suddenly opened fire.
Men dropped to the ground.
The Iron Fist grabbed Marks.
The Apex Monstrosity blew smoke into the air.
"Boss, all doors are locked," The Black Knight said.
The Apex Monstrosity stepped forward.
He leaned toward Don Ignatius.
"Send my greetings to hell."
Don Ignatius stared at him.
"You will PAY FOR THIS!!"
The doors closed.
"Let's get out!"
Marks shouted as they desperately banged on the doors.
The Apex Monstrosity's cigarette slipped from his fingers.
It landed on a line.
The line caught fire.
The flames spread.
Quickly.
Faster.
Across the warehouse.
Then—
BOOM!
The warehouse exploded.
Fire consumed everything.
People screamed.
Marks and Don Ignatius burned to death.
The Apex Monstrosity simply smirked and walked away.
Over the past few weeks, he had stood high above his enemies.
He had defeated more than 300 of the strongest men.
He had made Russia tremble at his feet.
He got into his private plane.
Then he flew away.
Meanwhile, Lilith was lying on a hospital bed.
Her bump had grown.
She was sick.
Doctors moved around her while preparing an ultrasound.
"How are you, Mrs. Lily?" the doctor asked.
Lilith winced in pain.
"And the baby?"
"The baby is okay," the doctor said.
Lilith breathed out.
Her legs were still being treated.
"They gave me a walking boot to heal," she explained.
"Good. Keep taking some morning walks," the doctor advised.
Lilith nodded.
The doctor placed cold gel across her bump.
Then the scan began.
"Looks like your baby is healthy."
The doctor pointed toward the screen.
"Look."
Lilith stared.
Her baby appeared on the screen.
So tiny.
"So tiny," Owen whispered.
Then they heard the heartbeat.
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
The doctor suddenly stopped.
"Wait…"
Everyone looked at her.
"What happened?" Sophina asked.
The doctor stared at the screen.
"It's multiple heartbeats."
She looked at them.
"Not one."
Everyone froze.
"Not two."
Silence.
"Not three."
"Then quadruplets?" Maddison asked.
The doctor shook her head.
"No."
She looked at Lilith.
"Seven."
"WHAT!?"
Everyone shouted.
The doctor smiled.
"Mrs. Lilith is having septuplets."
She paused.
"Congratulations, Madam."
Lilith's hand immediately went to her bump.
"Seven?"
"Yes."
"Septuplets."
The doctor smiled.
"And they are girls."
Lilith's eyes filled with tears.
She cried.
Gloria immediately hugged her.
"Should we tell boss?" Mara asked.
Lilith wiped her tears.
"No."
Everyone stared.
"That Russian donkey will not be aware of this."
She placed a protective hand over her stomach.
"I will torture him a lot. This is my secret until my delivery day."
Rhea laughed.
"Nah, boss is gonna freak out."
"Good!" Lily said.
The doctor handed Amelia several documents.
"Here are some things you need for the babies and your diet. Everything is listed here."
Amelia took the papers.
The girls gathered around and began reading them.
Meanwhile, Mila rubbed her eyes.
Jackie licked her face to wake her.
Mila finally opened her eyes.
She waddled toward the living room.
"Hi, baby," the man said.
He handed her the milk.
Mila took it.
She drank it all.
"Tank oo, unca," she said.
The man smiled.
"Mil, you're gonna be a big sissy!"
Mila gasped.
"Rewlly!?"
"Yep. Your mama is pregnant."
"Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!"
Mila jumped and clapped.
"I go meet mama pretty pweas!?"
"Of course, baby."
The Harbinger of Ruin looked toward her.
"But it's not safe yet."
He gently touched her head.
"Dada says he'll tell us, then we take you, sweetie."
Mila nodded.
In Russia, Morictia sat watching the news.
She read about the warehouse attack.
Her fake pregnancy bump was visible.
Suddenly, she smashed the television.
"Where is Nick!?" she screamed.
"Ma'am, boss left for France for an important meeting."
The guard pointed toward another screen.
"Look. They even organized a party."
Morictia watched the video.
Nikolai appeared live at the party.
He looked calm.
Untouchable.
Then he suddenly looked up.
Straight toward the shadows behind her.
The lights blinked twice.
Morictia froze.
"Has the team found her yet?" she asked.
"Nobody has seen her yet."
"Keep searching."
She began smoking.
"Madam, it's not good for the baby," Blackstrom warned.
Morictia froze.
"R… Right."
She rubbed her fake bump.
"Baby."
Meanwhile—
Touchdown in Italy.
The Apex Monstrosity had returned.
He carried shopping bags for his tiny pregnant woman.
He smiled.
Then he got into the cars.
The convoy drove away.
And somewhere deep within the hidden mountains of Italy, Lilith rested one hand over her stomach.
Seven daughters.
Seven heartbeats.
Seven secrets.
And Nikolai knew nothing.
Not yet.