Chapter 15 - The Sacrifice
While Julian was at the Council meeting, Clara paced the penthouse. Victor stood guard by the door, completely silent.
Clara couldn't let Julian lose everything he had built. He had spent his entire life pulling his family's name out of the gutter, transitioning their wealth into legitimate luxury hotels. If the High Council declared war on him, the FBI arrests wouldn't matter. They would destroy his hotels, kill his men, and eventually, they would kill him.
Because of her.
Clara made a decision. She walked into the bedroom, packed a small duffel bag with her original clothes—leaving behind all the designer gowns and diamonds—and walked back out to the living room.
"Take me to the airport, Victor," Clara ordered.
Victor crossed his massive arms. "Mr. Morreti gave strict orders that you aren't to leave this floor."
"If I stay, the Council will demand Julian give me up, or they will kill him," Clara argued, tears prickling her eyes. "You know I'm right, Victor. You're his security chief. Your job is to keep him alive. The only way he survives this is if I disappear so he can tell the Council I meant nothing to him."
Victor stared at her for a long time. The stoic giant understood the brutal mathematics of the underworld. He knew she was right.
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"He is going to kill me for this," Victor sighed heavily. He tapped his earpiece. "Get a black car ready. We're going to O'Hare."
Clara left her hotel badge and the diamond choker on the marble kitchen island. She didn't leave a note. In this world, a clean break was the only way to survive.
