Chapter 20 - The Unseen Threat
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Wade stood alone on the dark terrace for a long time, the cold lake wind whipping at his tuxedo jacket.
He pulled the wax-sealed envelope from his pocket, staring at the intricate, ancient crest pressed into the red wax. It was the official seal of the Global Commission. A death warrant masquerading as a business proposal.
He had fought so hard to leave the darkness behind. He had washed the blood from his hands, legitimized his empire, and built a sanctuary for Audrey and Leo. But he had forgotten the most fundamental rule of the underworld: you can never truly leave.
If he reopened the ports, he was submitting to the Commission, turning his legitimate empire back into a criminal enterprise, and placing a permanent, dangerous target on his back. If he refused, he was declaring war on the most powerful, far-reaching criminal organization on the planet.
The glass doors opened again.
“There you are,” Audrey smiled, stepping out onto the terrace, holding two glasses of champagne. She looked radiant, completely unaware of the apocalyptic threat that had just visited their home.
She walked over and handed him a glass, noticing the heavy, dark expression on his face. Her smile faded slightly.
“Wade? Is everything okay?” she asked, resting her free hand gently against his chest.
Wade looked down at the beautiful woman who had given him a son, who had given him a reason to be a better man. He thought about Leo, sleeping safely upstairs in his perfectly decorated nursery.
He could not let the darkness touch them again. He would not allow Arthur Vance or the Commission to dictate the safety of his family.
Wade slowly slipped the heavy envelope back into his pocket, hiding it from her view. The loving, devoted husband masked the ruthless, calculating mafia king perfectly.
“Everything is perfect, sweetheart,” Wade lied smoothly, leaning down to press a tender, lingering kiss to her lips. “I was just admiring the view.”
“The party is a massive success,” Audrey beamed, leaning her head against his shoulder as they looked out at the water. “We did it, Wade. We really built a safe life for him.”
“Yes, we did,” Wade murmured softly.
May you like
He raised his champagne glass, clinking it gently against hers. He smiled at his wife, but his gray eyes were entirely cold, looking out into the pitch-black night over the lake, already formulating a plan to burn the Global Commission to the ground.
The war wasn't over. It was just beginning.
