Chapter 18
The sun dipped slowly below the horizon, painting the American sky in brilliant shades of amber, crimson, and deep twilight violet.
Jaxson stood alone in his private study, holding his secure burner phone as it began to buzz violently against the mahogany desk.
The screen flashed a single, ominous incoming international satellite call with no caller ID and an encrypted Swiss routing number.
He stared at the pulsing light for three full seconds before calmly pressing his thumb against the screen to answer the call.
"You survived our domestic frontline, Mr. Sterling, but you have merely awakened a much larger sleeping giant," a cold voice hissed through the static.
Jaxson did not flinch, his breathing remaining entirely steady as he leaned back into his leather executive chair with quiet confidence.
"If your global council wants to try their luck against a Sterling, tell them I'll be waiting right here on American soil," Jaxson replied.
The caller let out an eerie, breathless laugh before the encrypted line went dead with a sharp, robotic electronic click.
May you like
Jaxson placed the phone down slowly, picking up a second vintage locket necklace resting beside the desk—the exact match to Elizabeth's.
He pocketed the locket, walked toward the French doors leading to the balcony, and looked out over the dark, peaceful estate grounds.
