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The Black Sun Syndicate's Urgent Meeting
The tension in the Black Sun Syndicate's hidden meeting room was thick enough to choke on. The air smelled of expensive cigars and sweat, but no one was relaxed enough to enjoy either. The murder of Helena Marek had thrown the organization into chaos.
Dominic Graves sat at the head of the long table, his fingers laced together in front of him. Around him were his most trusted men—Patrick "The Undertaker," Vincent Corso, Salvatore Ricci, and Lucas Moreau.
Patrick broke the silence first. "This wasn't just a hit. This was a declaration of war."
Vincent nodded. "Who the hell even has the balls to do this? Helena Marek wasn't just anyone—she was your second-in-command, Dominic. This was personal."
Lucas leaned forward, his jaw tight. "The Vescari Syndicate had to be involved. No way in hell some random player pulled this off."
Dominic exhaled slowly, his eyes dark and unreadable. "That's what we're here to determine. If it was Vescari, he'll pay for it. If it wasn't, then we have a much bigger problem."
Salvatore drummed his fingers on the table. "What about the message? 'Join or die.' Sounds like someone's offering us a deal. But who?"
A heavy silence followed. Dominic knew one thing—whoever sent that message wasn't just playing games.
They were making a statement.
The Body of Helena Marek
Dominic Graves had always been a man of control, but as he wheeled the body of Helena Marek into the meeting room, there was an undercurrent of fury in his movements. The metal cart screeched against the floor, and when he pulled the sheet back, gasps filled the room.
Helena's body was stripped of dignity. Her headless corpse lay stiff, her arms neatly folded as if mocking a funeral preparation. The blood had long dried, but the brutality remained fresh in everyone's minds.
And then there was the note.
"Join or die."
The room stayed silent for a long moment. Then Vincent cursed under his breath.
"This is an insult," he growled. "Whoever did this wants us to know they can get to us anytime they want."
Elias, standing at the back of the room, felt the sweat on his neck. He stared at the body, at the message, and all he could think about was the severed head hidden in his house.
If they ever found out he had it…
He swallowed hard.
Dominic's voice cut through the room. "We have two priorities. First, we find out who did this. Second, we make sure no one ever thinks they can pull something like this again."
Patrick nodded. "And if it's Vescari?"
Dominic's eyes darkened. "Then we bury him."
The Great Meeting: Dominic Graves & Adrian Vescari
The meeting was held in a private club under heavy security. The two most powerful crime lords of Volscara sat across from each other for the first time in years.
Adrian Vescari, dressed in a dark three-piece suit, had the look of a man who controlled empires. Beside him stood Luca "The Hammer" Bellini and Alex "The Hunter" Zobkov, both watching the room carefully.
Dominic Graves sat opposite him, flanked by Patrick "The Undertaker" and Vincent Corso.
For a moment, no one spoke. The weight of history between them was almost suffocating.
Then Vescari smirked. "Dominic. It's been a while."
Graves didn't return the smile. "Not long enough."
Vescari leaned back in his chair. "I assume you think I killed Helena Marek."
"You'd be a fool to deny that you had motive," Dominic said flatly.
Vescari exhaled slowly, his smirk fading. "I didn't."
Dominic studied him carefully. Then he reached into his coat and tossed a photograph onto the table. It was of Helena Marek's headless body, with the note.
Vescari's expression changed instantly. His eyes flickered with something—surprise, calculation, and then something darker.
"You didn't know," Dominic said, watching him closely.
Vescari's fingers tightened slightly against the table. "No. And that is a problem."
Luca "The Hammer" gritted his teeth. "Whoever did this is playing both of you. First, Anton Sorelli. Now Helena Marek? Someone's making a move."
Dominic exhaled slowly. "Then we need to find out who."
The silence between them was a fragile thing, ready to shatter.
Elias Meets Adrian Vescari
Elias had seen Adrian Vescari from afar but never up close. Now, standing in the private meeting room, he finally came face to face with the man who ruled half of Volscara.
Vescari's sharp green eyes studied him carefully. Then he glanced at Dominic. "And this is?"
Dominic smirked. "Elias Carver. My newest investment."
Vescari raised an eyebrow. "Carver? That name sounds familiar."
Elias remained still, meeting his gaze without flinching.
Dominic chuckled. "His father was Peter Carver."
Something flickered in Vescari's eyes, but he masked it quickly.
"Interesting," he murmured. Then he extended a hand. "Welcome to the real game, Elias."
Elias hesitated for only a second before shaking it.
The moment was brief, but it was a shift in the board.
And Elias knew—whatever game they were playing, he was now a piece in it.
Elias Returns Home
His house was dark and silent when he stepped inside. But his mind was anything but.
Helena Marek's head was still where he had left it, inside a sealed box in the basement.
He stood over it now, staring down at the face that had once been so full of life, now nothing but a grim reminder of the chaos surrounding him.
What the hell was he supposed to do with it?
If Dominic or Vescari found out he had it, he'd be a dead man.
His fingers hovered over the box, thoughts racing.
Then, finally, he sighed.
One thing was clear—he needed answers.
And the only way to get them was to play along.
For now.
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