Chapter 13 - The Interrogation In The DarkAn hour later, the shattered balcony door was temporarily sealed with heavy-duty steel plates, and the penthouse was secured. Viktor Vance was tied securely to a heavy metal chair in Alexander’s private underground basement—a windowless, soundproof room designed for high-stakes interrogations.
I sat upstairs in the master suite, rocking AJ back to sleep until his breathing grew deep and steady. Once he was safely nestled in his crib with two armed guards stationed quietly outside the door, I made my way down the private elevator to the basement level.
The heavy steel door to the interrogation room was cracked open. A harsh fluorescent light hummed overhead, casting stark shadows across the cold concrete walls.
Viktor sat slumped in the chair, his right shoulder heavily bandaged, sweating profusely. Standing directly in front of him with his hands casually shoved into his trouser pockets was Alexander.
“You can’t keep me here, Sterling,” Viktor croaked out, his voice hoarse and defiant despite his injuries. “My men know where I am. Interpol is tracking my communications—”
“Interpol isn't coming, Viktor,” Alexander interrupted smoothly, his voice dangerously calm. He stepped closer, leaning down until his face was inches from the captive syndicate boss. “Because as of twenty minutes ago, my legal team officially handed over every offshore bank account, drug-smuggling route, and human trafficking ledger you own directly to the international federal task force.”
Viktor’s eyes went wide with pure horror. “You… you leaked my entire portfolio? That’s suicide! Those cartels will hunt me down!”
“They won't have to hunt you down,” Alexander replied coldly, pulling a thick manila folder from the metal desk and tossing it onto Viktor’s lap. “Because the moment you step foot out of this room, my security team is handing you directly over to a Russian penal colony where your former associates are already waiting to say hello.”
Viktor stared at the folder, his bravado entirely evaporating. He slumped forward, defeated, a pathetic whimper escaping his lips. “What… what do you want from me? Money? Territories?”
“I don't want your dirty money, Viktor,” Alexander said, his eyes narrowing into lethal slits. “I want names. I want to know who inside my corporate network gave your men the security codes to this penthouse.”
Viktor hesitated, swallowing hard. “I… I don't know names! It was an intermediary! A woman with high-society connections!”
I stepped fully into the light of the room, my footsteps echoing sharply against the concrete floor.
Viktor snapped his head up. When his eyes landed on me, a sudden wave of realization—and lingering malice—crossed his face.
“Ah,” Viktor smiled weakly, blood staining his teeth. “The little incubator. You think you’re safe, don't you? You think Alexander won the war?”
“Shut your mouth,” Alexander snapped, taking a threatening step forward.
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“No, let him speak,” I said firmly, holding my hand up to stop Alexander. I walked right up to Viktor, looking down at him with absolute calm authority. “Who was the woman, Viktor?”
Viktor chuckled darkly. “Her name is Sarah. And she didn't just give us your security codes. She told us about the foundation’s upcoming charity gala next week. And she promised us that if we got rid of you and the baby… Marcus would finally get his revenge.”
