Michael's POV:
I lit a cigarette, leaning back in my chair as the smoke curled around me, trying to wash away the irritation from earlier. The silence didn't last long, though. Adam, my most trusted man—no introductions needed—stepped in, his face etched with urgency.
"Boss, there's an emergency," he said briskly.
Without wasting a second, I stubbed out the cigarette and followed him downstairs. Adam didn't need to explain further; if he called it urgent, it meant it was serious.
In the dimly lit room, he powered up the computer and started typing furiously. The sharp clacking of keys filled the space as I waited, arms crossed, watching him with a calm that hid my impatience. Whatever this was, it better be worth dragging me out of my thoughts.
I exhaled a slow cloud of smoke, the cigarette hanging loosely between my fingers as Adam's words echoed through the room. The harsh light from the laptop screen lit up the dark circles under my eyes, sharpening my features and making me look as ruthless as I felt. I took a slow sip of whiskey, letting the burn trail down my throat. I didn't taste it anymore—it had become ritual, a steadying weight in a world that demanded my patience.
When Adam mentioned Vedrick buying from another black market, my jaw tightened. The nerve of that bastard. First, he shortchanges me, then tries to cut me out completely.
"Five hundred million," I muttered, calm but with an edge sharp enough to slice through steel. "He only paid three hundred, and now he's playing games?"
"Yes, boss," Adam replied, standing just far enough back to stay in my line of sight but not close enough to irritate me. Smart. He knew better than to provoke me when I was already considering who needed to bleed tonight.
I leaned back, rubbing my stubbled jaw as I processed the numbers. "And this other black market—what's their price? Cheaper, you said?"
"Two hundred million for the same quantity," Adam answered, his tone steady. I could respect that. The man had a knack for keeping his head when most would crumble under my gaze. "Vedrick's trying to save himself some money while thinking he can outsmart you."
A cold smile tugged at my lips, humorless and sharp. Cleverness was a luxury fools couldn't afford, and Vedrick had just made himself my problem. "He thinks he's clever," I said, stubbing out the cigarette in the ashtray. "Let's show him how expensive cleverness can be."
I stood, the chair scraping against the hardwood floor. Adam tensed slightly, waiting for my next move. "Prepare the car," I said, my tone final.
He nodded, already pulling out his phone. "Understood, boss. Should I call for additional backup?"
I paused, turning to him with a sharp glance. Backup? The corner of my mouth twitched in faint amusement. "Do I look like I need an army to handle one washed-up idiot?"
Adam didn't flinch, but I noticed the subtle shift in his stance. "Of course not, boss. Just thought I'd be thorough."
That earned him the slightest nod of approval. Loyal and cautious—that's why I kept him close. "Stay thorough," I said, my voice low and deliberate. "But tonight, it's just us. I want to look Vedrick in the eye when he realizes how badly he's fucked up."
Adam left to make the arrangements while I refilled my glass, draining it in one motion. For a brief moment, Evelyn's face flitted through my mind. I wondered what she'd think if she saw me like this, the side of me I never showed her. Would she look at me with the same wide-eyed trust—or with fear, like everyone else? I pushed the thought aside. Sentiment had no place in what I was about to do.
By the time I reached the driveway, the sleek black car was waiting. Adam stood by the door, sharp and ready. I slid into the backseat, and the city blurred past as we made our way to Vedrick's mansion. My mind sharpened with every passing mile, the plan falling into place. I didn't need weapons or brute force to deal with him. My presence alone would be enough.
When we arrived, the Vedrick estate loomed in the quiet suburbs, its sprawling structure illuminated by soft driveway lights. The guards were already taken care of—my men were efficient, leaving no loose ends. Their bodies lay scattered like discarded trash. I strode up to the grand oak doors, the sound of my boots cutting through the eerie silence. I knocked firmly, the sound echoing through the still night.
The door creaked open, and a trembling woman appeared, clutching the frame like it could protect her. Her wide eyes darted to the bodies outside, then back to me. She didn't know my name, but she knew what I was. My reputation spoke louder than words.
I tilted my head slightly, letting a faint smile cross my lips. "We're here for Mr. Vedrick," I said, my voice calm but heavy with unspoken threat.
She froze, her breath hitching. "He… He's not home," she stammered, her voice barely audible.
Lying. I could smell it on her, see it in the way her hands tightened on the wood. I stepped past her into the house without hesitation, Adam following at my side. "Not home, is he?" I mused, my voice dripping with mock amusement. I didn't need her to confess. Vedrick was here, hiding upstairs—my men had already confirmed it.
"Better let me through, sweetheart," I said over my shoulder, my tone soft but leaving no room for argument. "I don't ask twice."
She stepped aside, and I moved deeper into the house. The muffled sound of footsteps and faint whispers led me to the living room. Three kids sat frozen on the couch—two boys and a girl. Their wide, frightened eyes flicked between me and Adam.
I focused on the eldest boy, around twelve, his small fists clenched in an attempt to look brave. Admirable, but futile. I crouched slightly, leveling my gaze with his.
"Be a good lad," I said with a faint, chilling smile, "and fetch your father. I promise I won't hurt you if you do as I say." I paused, letting the moment stretch. "Might even give you some candy."
The boy hesitated, his courage wavering under my stare. Then, with a quick nod, he darted up the staircase. I straightened, glancing at the trembling woman. "Lovely kids," I said casually. "It'd be a shame if they had to grow up without their parents."
The threat hung heavy in the air, and her knees buckled slightly. Adam remained silent, his presence adding weight to mine.
A moment later, the boy reappeared, tugging a pale, shaken Vedrick down the stairs. The man's eyes darted to his wife and children before locking onto me. Fear and resignation painted his face.
"Mr. Vedrick," I said, spreading my arms slightly in mock welcome. "Nice of you to join us. I believe we have some business to discuss."
He froze at the bottom step, stammering, "Please… my family has nothing to do with this. Let them go."
I smiled, cold and sharp. "Your family's safety depends entirely on you." I gestured toward his study. "Now, why don't we settle this matter in private?"
He hesitated, but my gaze left no room for negotiation. With a reluctant nod, he led us toward the study. As I followed, I cast one last glance at his trembling family. They'd be safe—if he made the right choices.