Chapter 13 - The Veritas UltimatumMarcus, the syndicate's chief cyber-analyst, plugged the encrypted data drive into the isolated bunker terminal.
The main holographic screen flickered to life. Instead of corporate ledgers or financial threats, a high-definition video feed appeared. It showed an empty, sterile room with a single chair—and sitting tied to that chair, looking terrified but unharmed, was Carlos, one of Dominic’s most trusted senior enforcers who had been missing since a routine supply run in Queens two days ago.
Standing behind Carlos in the video was a tall, silver-haired man wearing a custom-tailored charcoal suit, his face obscured by shadow.
"Mr. Moretti," a smooth, cultured European voice echoed through the bunker speakers. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Director Vance of the Veritas Syndicate’s global directorate. You have dismantled our local operations in New York and eliminated our regional proxy, Julian. An impressive display of primitive brutality."
Dominic stepped closer to the screen, his fists clenching so hard his knuckles turned white. "State your terms."
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"The terms are simple," the voice continued smoothly. "Bring the child—Lily—to our neutral terminal at the Montauk Lighthouse tomorrow at midnight. Exchange her for your enforcer. Refuse, and Carlos pays the price, followed swiftly by every civilian living in the districts under your protection."
The screen flickered black.
