Chapter 14 - The Grand Hotel Des Indes
The black Mercedes-Maybach glided silently through the cobblestone streets of Zurich’s financial district, flanked by two identical escort vehicles carrying Vanguard security personnel. The atmosphere inside the cabin was insulated from the biting Swiss cold, yet the tension was palpable. Through the tinted windows, historic stone facades and high-end Swiss watch boutiques blurred past, reminding me of the sheer, concentrated wealth that flowed through this city's veins.
Our destination was the Grand Hotel des Indes—a sprawling, fortress-like neoclassical estate nestled on a private peninsula overlooking the lake, entirely cordoned off from the public. As the convoy came to a smooth halt beneath the grand marble portico, the doors were opened instantly by a pair of impeccably tailored valets whose earpieces and sharp, sweeping glances betrayed their true function as elite bodyguards.
Marcus stepped out first, his boots hitting the polished marble with measured precision, immediately scanning the perimeter before turning to offer his hand as I descended from the vehicle.
"Welcome to Zurich, Madam Chairman," a smooth, cultured voice echoed from the entrance.
A tall man in a bespoke charcoal suit stepped forward. He had silver-streaked hair, piercing gray eyes, and a smile that failed to reach his eyes. It was Julian Vance, Victor’s younger brother and the primary operational director of the Vanguard Consortium.
"Julian Vance," I said, my voice carrying a cool, effortless authority as I walked up the steps without breaking stride. "I must admit, your brother’s hospitality is unusually aggressive for a simple business consultation."
Julian’s smile tightened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he recovered his polished composure. "Please forgive the security theater, Madam Chairman. When you manage assets as volatile as ours, one cannot be too careful. Especially when hosting a titan who dismantled the Keating empire in less than a month."
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"The Keating family was merely clearing out dead wood," I replied smoothly, brushing past him into the grand lobby without waiting for an invitation. "I trust your brother is ready for this meeting? I have a very tight schedule, and the Mediterranean climate calls me back soon."
Julian’s jaw tightened imperceptibly at my nonchalant dismissal of his family's prestige. He motioned toward a private elevator flanked by armed guards. "Right this way, Madam Chairman. My brother is waiting for you in the penthouse suite."
