Chapter 29 - AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR
Back at the Vance estate, peaceful sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the grand mansion hall.
Marcus and Clara were reviewing research data in the study when a sharp knock echoed against the heavy front doors.
Marcus raised an eyebrow, signaling his head of security to check the perimeter monitors before opening the massive oak panels.
The security chief pulled the doors open, revealing a dusty, exhausted courier holding a plain manila envelope with no return address.
"Package for Mr. Marcus Vance, delivered direct from Geneva," the courier stated nervously before turning away into the driveway.
The security chief brought the envelope inside, scanning it thoroughly for explosives or chemical agents before placing it on the desk.
Marcus used a silver letter opener to slit open the seal, pulling out a single sheet of heavy, textured European parchment.
Printed in stark, elegant black calligraphy was a short message that made his blood run instantly cold:
"You dismantled our regional branches, Marcus, but the true master of the global board is waiting across the ocean."
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Attached to the letter was a small photograph of Clara walking outside her new laboratory, timestamped merely ten minutes ago.
***
