Chapter 29 - The Enforcer's Loyalty
The heavy mahogany doors of Victoria’s private study closed with a soft, definitive click. The gala was over, and the shadows of the mansion offered a quiet, secure sanctuary. Victoria stood by the large bay windows, looking out over the moonlit grounds.
Marcus stood in the center of the room, his hands clasped behind his back. The enforcer’s facial expression remained entirely stoic, but the subtle, cinematic shift in his posture communicated a profound, newly cemented respect for the woman standing before him.
"The Archon emissary left the gala in a severe state of distress, Madam," Marcus reported, his low voice echoing in the quiet study. "Our surveillance teams tracked him to a secure facility downtown. The coalition is in complete disarray. Your financial maneuver has effectively paralyzed their operations."
Victoria did not turn around immediately. Her slow eye movement tracked the patrol of a security guard near the outer gates.
"They are wounded, Marcus, not dead," Victoria stated quietly. "A wounded predator is unpredictable."
"We have doubled the perimeter patrols," Marcus assured her. "And the airspace above the estate is currently restricted. Nothing breathes on this property without my authorization."
Victoria slowly turned away from the window. She looked at Marcus, the man who had facilitated her mother’s cruel reign, now acting as the absolute shield for her son.
"You served Evelyn for twenty years," Victoria whispered, her dark eyes locking onto his. "Does my ruthlessness disturb you, Marcus?"
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A microscopic twitch occurred at the corner of Marcus’s jaw. He offered a single, respectful bow of his head.
"Evelyn was ruthless for the sake of pride, Miss Victoria," Marcus murmured smoothly. "You are ruthless for the sake of protection. You are far more dangerous than she ever was. And it is an honor to serve you."
