Chapter 36 - The Message Returned
The morning sun reflected blindly off the snow-covered grounds. The executive study of the mansion was warm, the heavy mahogany desk illuminated by the natural, bright light.
Victoria stood near the crackling fireplace, her hands resting casually in the pockets of her tailored dark trousers. Marcus stood before her, holding the crushed Archon ID card.
"The intruder was neutralized silently at 2:00 AM, Madam," Marcus reported, his low voice entirely devoid of panic. "He did not breach the inner courtyard. The nursery was never compromised."
Victoria’s slow eye movement tracked the flames dancing in the hearth. She did not flinch at the news of an assassination attempt. The micro-expression of pure, unadulterated resolve hardened her jaw.
"Where is the body?" Victoria whispered softly.
"Secured in the sub-basement freezer, pending your orders," Marcus replied, offering a slight, respectful bow of his head.
Victoria took a slow, deliberate breath. The Archon Group was financially dead, but the rogue elements required a final, psychological execution.
"Pack the body in a shipping crate," Victoria commanded quietly, turning her dark, merciless eyes toward Marcus. "Ship it directly to the personal residence of Julian Vance. Use a private courier. Do not leave a return address."
Marcus’s jaw clenched slightly in acknowledgment of the ruthless, terrifying optics of the order. It was a medieval warning delivered with modern, corporate efficiency.
May you like
"Let the surviving members of the coalition understand that if they step onto my property, they will leave in a box," Victoria murmured, her tone perfectly flat. "Execute the order."
"Immediately, Miss Victoria," Marcus turned and exited the study, leaving the titan alone in her fortress, her hands unstained, her power absolute.
