The preparations were executed with terrifying efficiency. Within twenty minutes, the lower subterranean garage of the Apex penthouse was transformed into a staging ground for a small, heavily armed private military force. Dozens of syndicate enforcers, clad entirely in black tactical gear and armed with high-caliber assault rifles, moved with synchronized, lethal purpose. There was no hesitation in their eyes, only a burning, collective desire for absolute vengeance. Their King had been struck down, and they were more than eager to follow his Queen into hell to balance the scales. I stood near the open doors of a massive, heavily armored black SUV. Viktor had handed me a thick, bulletproof tactical vest, silently insisting I wear it over Valerius’s oversized black shirt. It was incredibl

