Chapter 3 - The Threat in the Shadows
Before Clara could take the key, the heavy double doors of the office burst open.
Julian Hale, Bennett’s ambitious younger cousin and the head of the syndicate's security division, stepped into the room flanked by three heavily armed guards.
"I'm afraid no one is clearing any names today, Bennett," Julian said, a cruel smirk playing on his lips.
Bennett instinctively moved, placing his tall frame between Julian’s guns and the two women. "What is the meaning of this, Julian?"
"We have wiretaps in this room, boss," Julian sneered, pulling out a silenced pistol. "Did you really think I'd let an old woman and a little maid destroy the Hale empire? If the truth about Marcus Reed gets out, the syndicate's allies will abandon us, and the federal prosecutors will freeze every asset we own."
"You were listening?" Eleanor gasped, coughing harshly.
"I listen to everything," Julian replied coldly. "Bennett has grown soft since Aunt Eleanor got sick. Spending millions on doctors, losing his edge. Now he's ready to give away our fortune to a housemaid?"
May you like
"Step down, Julian," Bennett ordered, his eyes turning cold as steel. "You are talking to your Don."
"Not anymore," Julian said, gesturing to his guards. "Lock Bennett and his mother in the east wing. And take the girl down to the basement. We'll make sure her silence is permanent."
