Chapter 6 - The Billionaire’s ResolveBack at the Barrett Estate, a sprawling limestone mansion surrounded by iron security gates, Wes Barrett stood before the massive stone fireplace, staring into the flickering flames.
Though he had been discharged from the hospital that morning, he looked exhausted. A heavy mahogany cane rested against his knee, supporting his bruised ribs.
Marcus Cole stepped quietly into the study, holding a thick manila folder.
“Boss, you need to see this,” Marcus said grimly.
Wes turned slowly. “Did you find her?”
“Not yet. But my informants in the municipal transit department flagged something disturbing an hour ago,” Marcus said, opening the folder. “Two armed men—hired mercenaries on Julian’s payroll—broke into the abandoned subway station on Mercer Street. They were searching for a homeless child fitting your description.”
Wes’s face went entirely white, followed immediately by a surge of unmitigated, volcanic rage. 🇦🇺
“Julian... my own cousin,” Wes growled, his grip tightening on the mahogany cane until his knuckles turned pure white. “He tried to murder me in that car. And now he’s hunting the little girl who saved my life.”
“Julian has mobilized every corporate security asset to sweep the downtown sector,” Marcus warned. “If his men find her before we do, she won't survive the night.”
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Wes turned toward the tall windows, looking out at the glittering skyline where his empire stood. For years, he had believed that power was measured in billions of dollars, steel towers, and corporate dominance. Now, standing battered and bruised in his silent study, he realized the ultimate truth: the most valuable thing in this entire city was a frightened, homeless child hiding in the dark.
“Assemble every trusted man we have,” Wes commanded, his voice ringing with absolute authority. “Sweep every alley, every shelter, every abandoned tunnel in this city. Find Josie before Julian does. And bring her home.”
