Chapter 28: 28. High Priest Beta Gilbert and Victoria were still seated in the living room, the atmosphere tense as Victoria replayed her husband’s cryptic words in her head.
"What do you mean by ’let the fight begin’? And who were you talking to on the phone?" she asked, her patience thinning under the weight of curiosity.
Gilbert leaned back slightly, trying to remain calm.
"Victoria, you don’t need to worry yourself over this... Just trust that I will always make the right decisions for our family."
Victoria gave him a look filled with both concern and disbelief.
"I know you’re doing everything you can to keep us safe, and I appreciate that. But I can’t help worrying. I don’t want anything to happen to any of us."
Gilbert offered a reassuring smile, trying to ease her anxiety.
"All I can say now is this—stop troubling yourself. I’ve brought in the best hands to face this threat. Whoever is behind all this, we’ll come out victorious."
Victoria sat down slowly, though her thoughts still swirled with unease. That word—victorious. It felt heavy, like there was more behind it than he was saying.
"So, who exactly called you?" she asked again, leaning closer to him.
"You’ll meet him soon enough," Gilbert replied, his tone confident. "But trust me, he and his team are exactly what we need right now."
They were still talking when Mason entered the living room.
"Mason, what’s happening?" Beta Gilbert asked, his eyes fixed on him.
"Sir, are you expecting anyone?" Mason asked politely, his head slightly bowed.
"Yes. A man named Sandro and his team. Are they here?" Gilbert inquired.
"Yes sir. They’re waiting just outside. I’ll bring them in immediately," Mason responded and turned to leave.
"Wait. One more thing," Gilbert added. "Do not search any of them."
Mason froze momentarily. The instruction didn’t sit well with him, especially considering recent events. But he couldn’t challenge Gilbert.
"Yes sir," he replied, then walked out to open the gates.
A large van stood outside. As the door slid open, ten well-built men stepped out, led by a man with sharp eyes and a commanding presence—Sandro. Mason led them into the house, still unsure about this new presence.
When Sandro stepped into the living room, Gilbert lit up and rushed forward, embracing him in a tight hug. The joy on his face was unmistakable.
Victoria and Mason exchanged glances, both clearly taken aback.
’Who is this guy to Beta Gilbert?’ Mason wondered, his curiosity growing by the second.
"Sandro, meet my dear wife, Victoria. And that’s Mason, the head of my guards," Gilbert said, gesturing warmly.
Sandro offered a polite nod and firm handshake.
"As your husband mentioned, I’m Sandro—from Italy. I’ve served with the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service for over fifteen years. Now, I’m here to help."
Gilbert clapped him on the back. "He’s an old friend and the best man for this job."
"I’ll need full control over my operations, Gilbert," Sandro said quietly, pulling him aside. "I don’t work well with people I don’t know. That’s why I brought my own men."
Gilbert gave him a grin. "No problem. I trust you."
Mason stood nearby, trying not to let his inner thoughts show. ’I hope this guy isn’t here to replace me. I’ll prove to Gilbert I’m more capable than this so-called super-agent.’ "Sandro, I’m sure you and your men must be hungry," Victoria said kindly. "We’ll have the table set. Tonight, we eat as one big family."
Sandro chuckled. "We Italians never joke with family. We’ll gladly join you."