Chapter Seventy: My Heart Is My Armor

Lillianna’s Point of View

I snatched up my bag and bolted out the back door, not caring where I was heading as long as it was far away from Rei's house. The thought of staying there any longer made me feel like I had a target on my back. How could I have been so foolish? Don Brzezinski had already agreed to let me go with minimal consequences, but now I wouldn't even have that when they inevitably caught me. And they would catch me - Kazimierz Brzezinski's influence stretched wide, with eyes everywhere. Despite his dangerous reputation, he was revered by all. A small group had attempted to overthrow him after his son's death, but their fate served as a warning never to challenge him again. And now I had just killed the man.

Don Brzezinski's Point of View

I hadn’t anticipated that, but I should have. I had been too trusting, thinking that Lillianna felt some kind of loyalty to me. That mistake was clearly going to cost me my life. My men had raced into the house in a panic, horrified to find that I had been shot. The blood was seeping out of me at such a fast rate. I didn’t have much time. With great effort, I pulled out my phone and called Ethan. Thankfully, he answered after the first ring.

My old friend's voice was filled with concern as he updated me, "We're still searching for her."

“I found her. But I’ve been shot. She just left Rei’s house. I don’t know what she was doing here. I tried to reason with her. Apparently, that was a fatal mistake,” I chuckled, even though I was in immense pain.

“Kaz, I’m so sorry. What can I do?” Ethan whispered.

“Find her. Finish what I couldn’t. Don’t show mercy, Ethan. Keep my granddaughter safe at all costs. Do what you need to. I’m going to try and reach Aamon while I can,” I said and hung up the phone.

With extensive effort, I dialed my grandson’s phone. He didn’t answer, and it went straight to voicemail. This was probably for the best. I’d have to choose my final words carefully.

“Aamon, you embody all the qualities of a Brzezinski. Take care of our family and lead it with wisdom. Protect your sister and build a future with the woman who has captured your heart. Don't hold back anymore; embrace life fully. Trust Ethan Steele; he's a loyal friend and will lend a hand when needed. I love you, Aamon. I regret not getting to know your sister better. Please tell her that I cared for her in my own way,” I said before ending the call.

“Boss, the ambulance is on the way. Hold on,” Jakub said, tried to reassure me.

I wasn’t interested in holding onto false hope. I was aware of where Lillianna had shot me and how quickly I was bleeding out.

“Jakub, gather the men and deal with the little gang that tried to threaten my granddaughter. Make sure that they don’t see another sunrise. I don’t want Lillianna having their support, or them chasing after Xavier. Finish it for me, son,” I demanded, and he nodded solemnly.

Jakub had been a member of our organization since his youth. He never trusted Lillianna and even spoke out against her involvement. I regret not listening to him back then.

If only I had taken action when Lillianna killed Greg Ravenscroft, maybe we wouldn't be facing this situation now.

There are so many regrets. The biggest was listening to my son’s plea to let Rei grow up outside of our organization. I was only ever able to love my granddaughter from afar. I would allow myself one thing before I left this world. I pulled my phone out one last time and selected Rei’s name. It also went straight to voicemail, but as the light was fading from my eyes, I knew I had to make every word count.

“My dear, beautiful granddaughter Rei. I wish I could have shared more than just distant protection with you. You are a Brzezinski, with fire in your soul and resilience in your blood. You are strong, an unbreakable phoenix that will always rise above life's challenges. Rei, I love you deeply and am so proud of the remarkable woman you've become. You have done a wonderful job raising Shiloh, Onyx, and Salem; they possess such vibrant spirits. Although I never had the chance to embrace you in person, let my final words assure you of my love for you, my granddaughter," I whispered as my last breath escaped me.

My surroundings were becoming hazy and I could hear Jakub's voice getting more frantic as he called out my name. As I focused on a glowing light and feeling of tranquility, I knew it was time to say goodbye to this world and take my final breath.

Rei’s Point of View

My phone started ringing, but I didn’t recognize the number. I quickly brushed my finger across the screen to send it to voicemail. Xavier was staring at me with a mixture of shock and horror after I had just asked him something. I let out a deep sigh, realizing that his reaction may have been all the answer I needed. He sat there silently, mouth open. Part of me wanted to tell him to close it before he caught any flies, but I knew he probably wouldn’t find it funny. Would I ever be able to laugh again after this?

As if on cue, my phone vibrated with a new message. It was odd, since unknown numbers usually just ended up being scam calls that never left messages. Frowning at Xavier for his lack of response, I entered my code to check my voicemail. Sure enough, I had one missed call and one message waiting for me

I strained to hear the voice, which sounded like an older man struggling to speak. The message was meant for me - he called me Rei and mentioned my children's names, but referred to me as his granddaughter. It was confusing; I didn't think I had a grandfather. And why would he leave a message with his final breath? I could hear a commotion in the background, including a phone being dropped and a man shouting "Don Brzezinski." Wait, did this man really think I was his granddaughter? Was Don Brzezinski actually my grandfather?