Chapter 9
The rain had lessened to a fine mist by the time the SUV pulled up to the rear entrance of the Halcyon Crown.
Dante’s security detail had already secured the private service elevator leading directly to the top-floor suite.
Beatrice looked at her reflection in the elevator mirror.
Her gold gown was stained with rain at the hem, her hair slightly tousled, but her eyes held a new, fierce light.
She was no longer the quiet woman who allowed people to step on her.
“Are you ready for this?” Dante asked, standing close beside her in the small space.
“He tried to destroy my life and threatened my sister,” she said coldly. “I’m more than ready.”
The elevator chimed softly as it reached the eightieth floor, opening into a grand private foyer.
Double mahogany doors stood at the end of the hall, flanked by two private security guards.
Before the guards could even reach for their holsters, Marco and another operative moved with blinding speed.
In less than five seconds, both guards were restrained on the floor, silent and disarmed.
Dante stepped over them without breaking stride and pushed the mahogany doors open.
Inside, a vast library featuring two-story windows overlooking the Manhattan skyline stretched before them.
Sitting behind a massive mahogany desk was Julian Hart, an elderly man with silver hair and razor-sharp blue eyes.
He was calmly typing on a sleek laptop, a glass of brandy sitting beside his hand.
Julian didn't look surprised as Dante and Beatrice walked into the room.
“Dante,” Julian said smoothly, closing the laptop halfway. “I assumed Charles would fail to contain you.”
“Charles was a small pawn in your game, Julian,” Dante said, walking toward the desk.
“And you are running out of moves.”
Julian smiled thinly, looking over at Beatrice.
“Miss Gallagher. I must admit, your forensic skills exceeded my projections.”
“You used my credentials to cover your tracks,” Beatrice said, her voice echoing with absolute authority.
“You thought an overweight, quiet supervisor wouldn't fight back.”
Julian’s smile faded slightly at her tone.
“It wasn't personal, my dear. It was simply business necessity.”
“Threatening my sister Maggie wasn't business,” Beatrice snapped, stepping right up to his desk. “It was monstrous.”
Julian sneered softly. “Desperate times require decisive measures. That money belongs to me now.”
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“Check your account again, Julian,” Dante said smoothly, pulling out his phone.
“Because three minutes ago, my team initiated a freeze on all Swiss routing nodes connected to your hotel.”
