A far cry from the immaculate boardrooms where Aidan Pierce had once wielded sway was the dark, smoke-filled basement of a disreputable club. He now used this shadowy, empty area of the city as his battlefield while assuming the identity of Ethan Blake. The tension in this area was intolerable, even though the faint murmur of conversations and clinking glasses could be heard through the thin walls.
Aidan watched the neon lights flicker as they reflected in the puddles below from a broken window. He was now fighting for his life rather than seeking retribution. They had destroyed the old Aidan Pierce, the heir to the Pierce family's empire. All that was left was a man who had to rebuild in the dark after losing everything.
Dominic Kane. After all these years, the name was still strong. Once an influential member of the inner circle of the Pierce family, Victor's systematic banishment had destroyed Dominic. Rumors of his resentment for Victor persisted after he disappeared into the underground.
Tonight, Aidan was here because of that grudge. As the influence of Victor increased, Aidan needed allies to have any chance of recovering his legacy. Strong allies, not just any kind of ally. He had little choice but to turn to Dominic Kane, who was rich and had a greater hatred for Victor.
Aidan was awakened by the sound of heavy footsteps in the hallway. As the door squeaked open, Dominic Kane entered. The dominance of Dominic's presence remained strong even after all these years. He gave the appearance of a man who had seen—and survived—too much, with his gray-streaked hair slicked back and his fitting overcoat.
Neither man spoke for a moment. After scanning the room, Dominic's black eyes finally fell on Aidan.
"So," Dominic replied, his voice gravelly and low. "The Pierce empire's lost heir." Sincerely, I didn't think you would save my life.
With an inscrutable expression, Aidan straightened. A crawler is not who I am. Our shared enemy is the reason I'm here. Triumph.
Dominic smiled sardonically, his lips curling. The door behind him clicked as he moved farther into the space. His voice was furious and low, "Victor took everything from me." "And you now believe that in order to assist a Pierce, I will jeopardize everything I have rebuilt?"
Aidan tensed his jaw, but he refused to give up. Your goal is retribution. And so do I. If we don't stop Victor now, there won't be anything left to fight for because he is growing stronger every day. You've made it this far because of it, but I know you're not content to just blend in.
Laughing darkly, Dominic folded his arms across his chest. On one point, you're correct: I want Victor to burn. Tell me, nevertheless, why I should believe you. You can beat him? Why should I think so, of all people?
Aidan took a slim folder out of his jacket. He moved to put it on the small, scarred table between them. He said in a whisper, "Because I'm not the same person I was before." I have been working on a project. cautiously and slowly. My intelligence is coming from the people at Pierce Industries. Yes, I know I've been taking advantage of Victor's shortcomings. I need more than information, though, to beat him. Here's where you come in handy.
Dominic opened the folder after giving it a cautious glance. He examined reports from Aidan's spies, financial records, and information about Victor's illicit activities. There was silence in the room while Dominic took in what he was witnessing.
Finally, unable to read Aidan's face, he closed the folder and looked up at him. Dominic said, quietly and thoughtfully, "This is good." Information alone, however, is insufficient. Victor is firmly in control of the city. Law enforcement, entrepreneurs, and politicians are all under his influence. Why do you believe you can alter that?
With composure, Aidan replied, "I don't have to change everything." I only need to break his hold, one fragment at a time. He's lagging behind already. I am full of loyal folks. It is within our power to cause people to distrust him and reconsider their true employer. I need money, though, to make this happen. resources, bribes, and a scheme to target Victor's wallet, which is the area that suffers the most.
Dominic squinted his eyes and leaned back in his chair to examine Aidan. "You're brave, I'll admit that. However, folks like Victor have completely replaced those with grandiose plans. What makes you different from another potential victim?
Aidan's eyes never strayed. "Because I am prepared to go to any lengths to achieve my goals." Already, I've lost everything. I have nothing else to lose but the opportunity to ruin Victor.
For a while, Dominic remained silent. Despite the temptation to keep quiet, Aidan didn't flinch. He had gone too far to turn back now.
At last, Dominic spoke in a calm, low voice. "Okay. Your needs will be met by me. I'm not doing this for charity, but. I want something in exchange.
Aidan's face was expressionless despite his racing heart. "What are you looking for?"
Dominic's eyes gleamed with icy intensity as he leaned forward. One of Victor's lieutenants is named Markov. He was the impetus behind the attempt to ruin my company. His death is what I desire.
As Dominic's comments hit Aidan like a punch to the stomach, he felt the room close in around him. It was more than just an alliance; it was a blood demand.
The voice was firm and quiet as Aidan continued, "You want me to kill him."
Dominic's grin was sharp and frightening. See it as a loyalty test. Here's one method to demonstrate your commitment to defeating Victor.
Aidan had a lot on his mind. It was the first time he had slain a man. Dominic didn't commit murder, but there wasn't much room for negotiation under his terms. Otherwise, the partnership would disintegrate before it had ever started. And if he agreed, he would be embarking on a journey that could permanently alter him.
Aidan was silent for a long time. There was no going back now, he realized as he considered his choices.
He nodded, at last, icily and firmly. "Where can I locate him?"
Dominic gave a broad smile. "I believed you could achieve success. Downtown nightclub is owned by Markov. Victor is using it as a front for one of his money-laundering scams. If you fire Victor, he will lose a substantial source of income. There is a message delivered.
Although Aidan's stomach rumbled, his face stayed expressionless. "I'll take care of it."
Rising, Dominic extended his hand. "Okay. I'll give you all the money, supplies, and help you need to beat Victor when it's finished.
The weight of what he had just consented to made Aidan's chest hurt, yet he nevertheless shook his hand. Dominic moved to go, but stopped at the entrance, his voice fading to a chilly murmur.
"And keep in mind that Victor will be the least of your troubles if you fail—or attempt to deceive me."
The door behind Aidan clicked softly shut, leaving him alone in the darkened room with the weight of his choice like a vice.
He had just made a pledge to work for the devil. He had to confront it now.