Chapter 46 - A Dance with the Devil
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The guards at the base of the staircase parted silently as I approached, their eyes tracking my every movement. They knew exactly who I was. I ascended the marble steps, my crimson dress trailing behind me like a stream of blood.
Julian Vance was waiting for me at the top, leaning casually against the brass railing.
"Elena," Julian greeted, his voice as smooth as velvet and just as suffocating. "I must admit, I wasn't entirely sure you would accept my invitation. Red is certainly your color."
"Cut the pleasantries, Julian," I said, stopping three feet away from him. I didn't drink the champagne; I merely held the glass, keeping my hands occupied. "You threatened my son. I’m here. What do you want?"
Julian chuckled softly, turning to look out over the casino floor. "Direct. Just like your father. He was a brilliant man, you know. Paranoiac, but brilliant. He built a financial fortress that even I couldn't crack."
"He's dead," I replied coldly. "Whatever ledger you're looking for died with him."
"We both know that is a lie," Julian snapped, his eyes flashing with sudden, violent intensity. "The Viper syndicate is bleeding, Elena. Without the master decryption key, billions of dollars are locked in offshore ghost accounts. Your father hid the key. And he hid it with you."
"I don't have it."
"Then your son will die," Julian stated, matter-of-factly.
My grip on the champagne flute tightened until the crystal threatened to shatter. "If you touch him, Julian, this entire casino will burn to the ground with you inside it."
"Oh, my dear," Julian smiled, stepping closer until I could smell the expensive scotch on his breath. "You misunderstand the situation. I didn't invite you here to negotiate for your son's life. I invited you here to keep you occupied."
My blood ran completely cold.
"Audrey," I whispered frantically. "Audrey, do you have eyes on the safehouse? Check on Nicolás!"
Static hissed in my ear.
May you like
"Audrey?!"
"I jammed your comms the moment you walked up these stairs," Julian whispered, glancing at his Rolex. "My strike team breached the Chicago subway ten minutes ago. Your son is already mine."
