Chapter 38 - The Sovereign's Ultimatum
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I stepped out from behind Ethan's shoulder, holding his hand firmly, refusing to shrink back under Victoria's intimidating gaze.
"Ethan belongs to no one, Mrs. Carter," I said, my voice steady and unwavering. "Least of all a mother who used him as a pawn in a shadow game for twenty years."
Victoria raised an eyebrow, a flicker of dark amusement dancing in her eyes. "Spirited. I see why he risked his life for you. But you are out of your depth, child. This isn't a game of corporate software or political blackmail. This is global sovereignty."
Victoria clapped her hands twice.
From the side balconies above the hall, two dozen elite guards stepped forward, aiming heavy sniper rifles directly at Ethan and me.
"What is this, Victoria?" Ethan demanded, his hand reaching toward his shoulder holster.
"An ultimatum, my son," Victoria announced calmly, setting her glass down on a marble pedestal. "The High Council meets in Zurich tomorrow morning to ratify the new global energy charter. You will sit at the head of the table, take your father's place as Sovereign, and merge Carter Enterprises with the Syndicate's assets."
"And if I refuse?" Ethan snarled.
"If you refuse," Victoria said softly, her eyes dropping to my face, "I will have Ava returned to the federal government as an unindicted co-conspirator in Dr. Vaughn's research. She will spend the rest of her life in a maximum-security prison."
"You wouldn't dare," Ethan growled, taking a threatening step forward.
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"Try me, my son," Victoria smiled coldly. "I gave you life, Ethan. And I can take away everything you love in the blink of an eye. You have until midnight to make your choice."
Victoria turned on her heel and walked away down the dark hallway, leaving us standing in the center of the hall, surrounded by snipers in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
