Chapter 10 - Uncovering the Rot
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The peaceful morning was shattered by the harsh reality of the syndicate.
Marcus knocked sharply on the guest room door, stepping inside with a grim expression on his scarred face. He held a sleek, silver laptop.
“Boss. We decrypted Gregory’s personal files,” Marcus reported, avoiding eye contact with Hannah.
Victor sighed, his gentle demeanor instantly vanishing, replaced by the cold logic of a leader. He stood up, dropping the remaining bandages onto the tray.
“What did you find, Marcus?”
“He wasn't just selling the ledgers to the Romanovs,” Marcus explained, opening the laptop and turning the screen toward Victor. “Gregory has been passing them our shipping routes for six months. He was giving them the exact times our trucks were vulnerable. That’s why we lost the shipment in Boston last month.”
Victor’s jaw clenched so hard a muscle feathered near his ear. “He was bleeding us dry.”
“It gets worse,” Marcus continued, scrolling down the screen. “The Romanovs weren't just paying him for information. They were paying him to orchestrate a coup. The plan was to frame Hannah, take the ledgers, and then use the missing funds to turn the Capos against you. They wanted you removed by your own men.”
Hannah gasped softly from the bed, pulling the sleeping Poppy closer. “They wanted to kill you?”
“They wanted me replaced by someone they could control,” Victor corrected, his eyes turning to absolute ice. He looked at Marcus. “Who is the Romanov contact?”
“A man named Alexei. He’s a lieutenant operating out of a penthouse in the city.”
“Gather the men,” Victor ordered quietly. “The Romanovs think they successfully bought my estate manager. Let them think the plan is still in motion. Tonight, we send them a message they will never forget.”
Marcus nodded and left the room to prepare for war.
Victor turned back to Hannah. He looked at her bruised wrists, a dark, murderous fury burning behind his eyes.
“I have to go into the city,” Victor said softly. “You will stay in this room. You are safe here. I have placed my most loyal men outside your door.”
“Be careful, Victor,” Hannah whispered, her heart aching with a sudden, profound fear for his safety.
May you like
He leaned down, his face mere inches from hers.
“I always come back,” he promised.
