Chapter 17 - THE FALL OF THE COUNCILThree days later, the international financial markets were rocked by a wave of synchronized cyber-attacks that crippled a dozen offshore banking networks across Europe. Simultaneously, a massive dossier compiled by David Vance and backed by Elena’s cryptographic logs landed on the desks of prosecutors in Geneva, Frankfurt, and New York.
The European council—the hidden board of directors that had controlled the syndicates for half a century—collapsed like a house of cards. Arrest warrants were issued for Julian Vance and his remaining loyalists, while financial regulators seized their remaining assets worldwide.
Roman and Elena sat in a private chalet lounge in Zurich, watching the morning news broadcast on a wall-mounted flat screen. The anchor was reporting on the unprecedented takedown of an international money-laundering ring operating out of Switzerland.
It’s over, Roman said softly, setting his coffee cup down on the glass table. The board is gone. The syndicate is leaderless. We are officially ghosts.
Elena turned away from the television, looking out the frost-covered window at the endless expanse of the snow-covered Alps. She didn't look triumphant; she looked remarkably at peace, as if an immense physical weight had finally been lifted from her shoulders.
My father built an empire on blood and secrets, Roman, she said, walking over to sit beside him on the plush leather sofa. He thought that was the only way to protect the family. He was wrong.
Roman wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close against his chest. He pressed a soft kiss to her dark hair, breathing in the familiar scent of jasmine and rain.
What do we do now, boss? Roman asked with a faint, genuine smile.
May you like
Elena turned her head, looking up into his eyes with a familiar, dangerous sparkle in her dark gaze.
We go home, Roman. And this time, nobody’s ever taking our house away.
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