Chapter 3 - The Frozen Empire
"What the hell is this?" Vincent roared, his voice shaking the crystal chandelier in the foyer. He grabbed his phone, dialing Leo’s direct line with a thumb that trembled slightly. "Leo! What is going on with the accounts? Why are the South Side shipping lines locked? Who authorized a federal asset freeze?"
On the other end of the line, Leo’s voice was remarkably calm, drained of any fear. "Mr. Carter... I can't help you with that."
"What do you mean you can't help me? I sign your checks!"
"Not anymore," Leo replied flatly. "As of 8:00 AM today, the primary holding corporation has been restructured under a new majority stakeholder. My fiduciary duty now lies with Mrs. Madison Carter."
The phone slipped from Vincent's ear, clattering against the marble floor.
For the first time in ten years, the invincible mob boss of Chicago felt the ground open up beneath his feet. He bolted out of the penthouse, leaving the door wide open, and sprinted down to his private garage. He jammed his key into the ignition of his Mercedes Maybach, slamming his foot on the gas. He didn't care about the speed limits or the rival gangs watching his movements. He drove straight to Vanessa’s condo, bursting through her front door like a madman.
Vanessa dropped a coffee mug, shattering it across the hardwood floor. "Vincent? What happened? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"My accounts," he breathed, grabbing her by the shoulders. "My company. She took it. Madison took everything."
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Vanessa’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Your wife? The quiet girl who stays at home changing diapers? How could she take a multi-million-dollar syndicate?"
"She didn't just take it," Vincent whispered, a cold sweat breaking out across his forehead. "She built it."
