Chapter 4 - The Evidence
Victor slid the SD card into an encrypted laptop. The study fell dead silent as the audio file began to play. The recording was slightly muffled by the fabric of Maya’s apron, but Julian’s arrogant, chilling voice came through with terrifying clarity.
"Victor has grown soft," Julian’s voice echoed through the high-end speakers. "He thinks he can run this city like a legitimate corporation. But the blood is what keeps the families in line. We hit the docks on Thursday. We execute the loyalists. And Victor... Victor doesn't breathe past Friday."
Marcus let out a low, dangerous growl. “He flipped the O’Connor brothers. And the Russian suppliers.”
Victor didn’t flinch. He didn’t shout or smash his glass in a fit of rage. He simply closed the laptop with a soft click. The absolute stillness of his reaction was infinitely more terrifying than an outburst. He was a man who calculated murder like a chess grandmaster.
“Julian has forced my hand,” Victor said quietly. “He has violated the central tenet of the Syndicate. Family blood is sacred, but treason demands a total purge.”
He looked up at Maya, who was shivering slightly in the corner of the room. “You have given me the key to saving my empire, Maya. I am going to convene the Council of Five tonight. When they hear this, Julian will be marked for death by every assassin on the East Coast. He will have nowhere to hide.”
“And what about me?” Maya asked, wrapping her arms around herself. “When Julian finds out you have the recording, he will know I’m the one who gave it to you. I’m a liability.”
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“You are a guest,” Victor corrected her, his tone leaving no room for argument. “No one breaches these walls. You and Clara will remain here until Julian’s body is resting at the bottom of the Atlantic. You have my word.”
Maya wanted to doubt him. She had spent her entire life learning that powerful men only made promises to manipulate you. But looking into Victor’s eyes, she saw a terrifying, unbreakable honor. He was a monster to his enemies, but right now, he was her shield.
