Chapter 14 - The Traitor at the GateThe black convoy of luxury sedans rolled through the open gates of the Marino estate as if they owned the place. Viktor Vance stepped out from the lead vehicle, his tailored charcoal suit immaculate, a smooth, confident smile playing on his lips.
He didn't look like a cornered rat; he looked like a vulture settling onto a fresh carcass.
Marcus met him at the entrance of the winter garden, standing stiff and expressionless beside the marble fountains.
"Viktor," Marcus greeted flatly, his hands resting naturally at his sides. "Mr. Marino is currently out inspecting the eastern maritime properties. He didn't expect visitors today."
Viktor chuckled, adjusting his gold-rimmed cufflinks. "Out inspecting properties? Marcus, please. I know the Harbor King spent the last eight years rotting in a wheelchair. A sudden miraculous recovery doesn't make him invincible."
Viktor motioned to the four armed mercenaries flanking him, their assault rifles held at low-ready. "Where is the girl?"
Marcus didn't flinch. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Save the loyalty speech, Marcus," Viktor sneered, his smile fading into a cold, predatory smirk. "The Vanguard Syndicate doesn't lose loose ends. Julian was a fool who cracked under pressure. But I'm here to clean up his mess—and yours."
Before Viktor could gesture to his men, a low, gravelly voice echoed from the shadowed archway behind the indoor citrus trees.
"Looking for me, Viktor?"
Viktor spun around, his confidence faltering for a fraction of a second as I stepped out from the shadows. I walked slowly, deliberately, my boots making a sharp, rhythmic sound against the marble floor. I wasn't in a wheelchair. I wasn't leaning on a cane. I stood tall, my shoulders squared, staring down at him with eyes as cold as winter ice.
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Viktor swallowed hard, recovering his composure with a forced grin. "Caleb. Well, well. I heard rumors you were back on your feet. I suppose miracles do happen—even for dead men."
"Miracles?" I stopped five feet from him, letting the heavy silence stretch between us. "No, Viktor. This isn't a miracle. This is a reckoning."
