Chapter 4 - THE MASTERMIND'S GAME
“Uncle Arthur?” Victoria stepped out from the shadows, her gun leveled directly at his chest.
Arthur turned slowly, a calm, chilling smile spreading across his face. He showed no signs of illness. His posture was commanding, his eyes cold and calculating.
“Ah, Victoria,” Arthur sighed softly. “You always were the impulsive twin. Eleanor was far more obedient until she gave birth to this wretched boy.”
“You’re behind this?” Victoria demanded, her voice shaking with betrayal. “You used Julian? You locked my sister away?”
“Julian is merely an ambitious pawn who wanted power,” Arthur laughed, taking a slow step forward. “He thought he was pulling the strings. He didn't know I orchestrated Eleanor’s captivity to secure the absolute voting rights of Vance Corporation. If the world knew Eleanor had an heir, my control over the family fortune would be instantly nullified.”
“Where is Eleanor?” Victoria yelled, her finger tightening on the trigger.
Arthur clicked his tongue. “You’re too late, my dear. She was moved to a secure vessel three hours ago. By midnight, she will be far outside international waters, never to return.”
Suddenly, Marcus stepped out from behind Victoria. But instead of raising his gun at Arthur, Marcus swung his weapon around and pointed it straight at the back of Victoria’s head.
“I’m sorry, Victoria,” Marcus whispered. “Blood is thicker than water. My father promised me half the empire.”
Victoria stood frozen. Betrayed by her fiancé, her uncle, and now her cousin.
“Take her weapon,” Arthur ordered.
As Marcus moved closer to disarm her, Leo suddenly broke free from his captor’s grip and bit down hard on Marcus’s wrist. Marcus screamed in pain, dropping his gun.
May you like
Victoria didn't hesitate. She lunged forward, kicked Marcus off his feet, grabbed Leo, and fired three warning shots into the ceiling, creating an opening in the chaos.
“Run, Leo!” she screamed, pulling the child into the dark labyrinth of the facility’s ventilation shafts.
