Chapter 3 THE ANGEL OF MERCY .

Vince's heart hammers against his ribs. The sight of Moretti's men blocking the hospital entrance sends a cold wave of dread through him. Bella. He has to get to her. "Get me through," he barks at his driver, his voice laced with steel. The driver hesitates, glancing nervously at the armed men. "Don Romano, I don't know..." "Now!" Vince roars, his patience snapping. The driver slams his foot on the accelerator, the sedan hurtling towards the blockade. The Moretti men scatter, firing shots into the air.

Vince's men, who have been tailing him in separate cars, respond in kind, a chaotic symphony of gunfire erupting in the quiet night. Inside the hospital, Bella remains oblivious to the chaos unfolding outside. She is in the middle of a grueling surgery, fighting to save the life of a young boy who has been hit by a stray bullet during a street brawl. Her brow furrows in concentration, her hands moving with practiced precision. She is in her element, a sanctuary of calm amidst the storm. "Scalpel," she says, her voice steady. The surgical team works seamlessly, their movements synchronized, their focus absolute. They are a team of angels, battling against death, armed with skill and compassion. As the surgery progresses, Bella can't shake a nagging feeling of unease. She feels a sense of impending doom, a shadow lurking just beyond the sterile walls of the operating room. She has seen the news reports and the whispers of a looming gang war. She knows Vince Romano is at the center of it all. And she can't deny the growing attraction she feels towards him, a dangerous pull that threatens to consume her. Suddenly, the hospital doors burst open, and two masked men storm into the operating room, weapons drawn. "Where is she?" one of them shouts, his voice distorted by the mask. "Where is Dr. Isabella Rossi?" The surgical team freezes, their faces etched with terror. Bella stands her ground, her eyes blazing with defiance. "I am Dr. Rossi," she says, her voice unwavering. "What do you want?" "You're coming with us," the man snarls, grabbing her arm. Bella struggles, but she is no match for his strength. As they drag her towards the door, she catches a glimpse of the chaos outside: flashing lights, screaming sirens, and the unmistakable sound of gunfire. Vince. He has come for her. But has he arrived in time? As Bella is pulled out of the operating room, she sees Vince fighting his way through the crowd, his face a mask of fury. Their eyes meet for a fleeting moment, a silent promise passing between them. Then, everything goes black.