Chapter 7 - THE NEW RULES OF THE GAMEViktor Vance didn't panic.
The old Russian sat back down in his chair, folding his withered hands over his stomach.
He had survived wars, purges, and coups. He recognized the look in Mason’s eyes.
It wasn't the look of a vengeful criminal.
It was the look of a new king claiming an empty throne.
“You didn't come here to kill us,” Viktor noted, a grim, assessing smile touching his thin lips. “If you wanted us dead, the floor outside would be swimming in blood instead of code.”
“Killing you is a waste of good administrative talent,” Mason replied smoothly. “Arthur wanted to run the Syndicate like a shadow cartel from the last century. He wanted blood, fear, and poisoned stitches. But the world has changed, Viktor. And so have we.”
Emily stepped forward, sliding five pristine leather-bound contracts across the table toward each member of the council.
“What is this?” Marcus asked, eyeing the papers warily.
“Your new employment contracts,” Emily said calmly. “You will continue to manage European logistics. You will continue to oversee the shipping routes. But you will do it under the direct audit of Vale Global Enterprises. No more illegal arms to rogue militias. No more human trafficking through the North American ports. You operate clean, or you don't operate at all.”
Viktor picked up his fountain pen, turned the contract to the signature page, and didn't even bother reading the fine print.
He knew a coup when he saw one, and he knew when he had lost.
“And if we refuse?” Viktor asked, looking up.
May you like
Mason stood up, buttoning his jacket.
“Then Emily here will open another briefcase. And trust me, Viktor—you won't like what’s inside.”
