The digital map of Alastair Crane’s criminal empire glowed on the wall, connecting lines of illicit power and corruption like a spider’s web. Julian paced in front of it, the tension in his steps palpable.
“This is our moment,” he said, his voice sharp, commanding. “We’ve got Alastair in our sights. But if anyone falters, we lose him—and possibly our lives.”
Madeline, seated at the corner of the table, stood and walked to Julian’s side. Her expression was calm but intense, her emerald-green dress a stark contrast to the grim mood.
“There’s a weak point,” she said, tapping a red-marked node on the screen. “He’s funneling money through a shell company, and he oversees every major transaction himself. We can use his paranoia to our advantage.”
Julian nodded, his jaw tightening. “We make h
