Chapter 20 - The Edge of the Cliff
|
Adrian stared at the small black velvet box in Marcus's gloved hands. The Global Commission was a myth, a ghost story told by mob bosses to keep their soldiers in line—a shadow syndicate that supposedly controlled the entire international underworld.
"Open it," Adrian commanded, his voice cold and steady.
Marcus carefully pried the lid open. Inside rested a single, silver chess piece. A queen. Its head had been neatly snapped off. Beneath the broken piece was a handwritten note on blood-red paper.
Adrian picked up the note.
You conquered a city, little king. But you have upset the balance of the world. We are coming for your crown. And we will start with your heart.
Adrian’s grip tightened on the paper until his knuckles turned white. He had spent months destroying the five families to protect Liya, only to draw the attention of the apex predators of the criminal world.
He threw the note into the fireplace, watching it burn to ash.
"Double the perimeter guards," Adrian ordered softly. "No one enters this building. Move Liya and Eleanor to the underground bunker tonight. Do not tell them why."
"Yes, Boss. What are you going to do?"
"I am going to prepare for war," Adrian whispered.
Before Marcus could leave the room, a sudden, deafening explosion rocked the penthouse. The heavy oak doors of the study blew inward, raining splinters of wood and glass across the expensive rug.
Smoke poured into the room. Alarms blared, a chaotic symphony of red emergency lights flashing.
Adrian drew his weapon, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He lunged into the smoke-filled hallway, screaming her name.
May you like
"Liya!"
Through the haze, a dark figure stepped forward, holding a suppressed pistol leveled directly at Adrian’s chest. The stranger didn't say a word. He simply smiled, a cold, terrifying smirk that promised absolute annihilation, and slowly pulled the trigger.
