Chapter 3 - The Boardroom AssassinWhile Wes Barrett recovered in his private hospital suite, thirty floors above the city streets in the glass-and-steel monolith of Barrett Global Industries, a very different atmosphere prevailed.
At the head of a massive mahogany conference table sat Julian Barrett—Wes’s younger cousin and senior vice president of acquisitions. Julian’s custom-tailored Italian suit was immaculate, but his face was twisted into a mask of cold, impatient fury.
He slammed a heavy financial dossier onto the table, glaring at his lead corporate attorney, Arthur Vance.
“What do you mean he survived?!” Julian snarled, his voice echoing across the silent boardroom. “The truck hit him dead-center! The car was supposed to incinerate!”
Arthur adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses nervously, swallowing hard. “A... a homeless child apparently intervened, Julian. According to police reports, she smashed the passenger window and dragged him out moments before the fuel tank exploded.”
Julian laughed bitterly, running a hand through his slicked-back hair. “A homeless child? Are you hearing yourself, Arthur? A vagrant saved the most powerful billionaire in the city because of a fairy tale?! This is insane!”
“It gets worse,” Arthur whispered, leaning forward. “Wes is already awake. He knows the brake lines were cut. His security chief, Marcus Cole, is scouring the city looking for the girl. If Wes connects the assassination attempt to our shell companies in the Caymans, we’re finished.”
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Julian stood up, walking toward the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the bustling metropolis. A dark, predatory smile slowly spread across his face.
“Then we eliminate the variables,” Julian said coldly. “Find the girl before Marcus does. And finish what the fire started.”
