Chapter 18 - The Ghost of Monaco
"It’s an active targeting beacon, Xavier," Mia said softly, stepping backward.
Before Xavier could reach for the alarm beneath his desk, the salon's double doors were kicked open. Marcus and Victoria eliminated the two guards stationed by the entrance with silenced shots that thumped softly into the plush carpet.
Victoria stepped into the salon, holding a high-caliber tactical weapon trained directly on Xavier’s chest. "Hello, Xavier. It’s been twenty-five years since Monaco."
Xavier stared down the barrel of the gun, but his composure did not break. He smoothed the lapels of his bespoke tuxedo, let out a deep, theatrical sigh, and leaned against the mahogany desk.
"Victoria Thorne," Xavier said, his voice laced with venomous nostalgia. "Still relying on blunt force when finesse is required. You really think you can kill me on my own vessel in international waters?"
"I don't need to kill you, Xavier," Victoria said coldly. "Our cyber teams, working with Interpol and the Department of Justice, breached your offshore trust accounts thirty minutes ago using Dr. Sterling’s access keys. Every contract, every genetic manipulation laboratory, every illicit weapons shipment bearing the Obsidian Trust seal has been broadcast to every major intelligence agency on Earth."
Xavier’s eyes widened slightly, the first true crack in his aristocratic armor appearing. "You wouldn't dare. That data destroys half the European financial markets!"
"I don't care about the markets," Victoria hissed. "You targeted my daughter. You targeted my granddaughter. I would burn the entire global economy to the ground to keep them safe from monsters like you."
Mia stepped beside her mother, her eyes locked onto Xavier. "Aurora is safe on the mainland with an elite tactical unit. She will never know your name. She will never bear your crest. Your bloodline ends tonight, Xavier. In handcuffs."
Xavier looked between Mia and Victoria, his expression shifting from shock to a cold, psychotic rage. "Handcuffs? You think men like me go to prison?"
May you like
He suddenly reached his hand into his coat pocket.
***
