Dangerous territories
327 Words
Two days later the penthouse is once again transformed into a war room.
But this time the strategy is different.
Instead of attacking Viktor directly, we start cutting his influence from the inside.
Adrian’s analysts uncover dozens of shell companies connected to Viktor’s network.
Each one is carefully dismantled.
Quietly.
Without public attention.
Without triggering his insurance systems.
It’s slow.
But it’s working.
Until one night everything changes.
I walk into Adrian’s office carrying a folder of financial reports.
He’s sitting at his desk, staring at a screen.
“You need to see this,” he says.
I step closer.
The screen shows a live security feed.
From the hospital.
Marcus’s room.
My heart stops.
The bed is empty.
The machines are still running.
But Marcus is gone.
Adrian’s voice is deadly calm.
“When did this happen?”
“Twenty minutes ago,” Dante answers through the speaker.
“Security?”
“Unconscious.”
Adrian slams his fist onto the desk.
“He took him.”
My stomach twists.
“Viktor?”
Adrian nods slowly.
Then his phone rings.
The number is private.
Adrian answers immediately.
“Yes.”
Viktor’s voice fills the room.
“Hello, Adrian.”
Adrian’s expression darkens.
“What do you want?”
“Oh nothing dramatic,” Viktor replies lightly.
“I just borrowed your friend.”
My heart pounds.
“Let him go,” Adrian says.
Viktor laughs softly.
“You’re in no position to make demands.”
Adrian’s voice drops dangerously low.
“If you touch him-”
“Relax,” Viktor interrupts.
“I won’t hurt him.”
“Unless Elena refuses to come see me.”
My blood runs cold.
Adrian’s head slowly turns toward me.
Viktor continues.
“Tell my daughter I’m waiting.”
The line goes dead.
Silence fills the room.
Adrian looks at me.
“You’re not going.”
But I already know the truth.
“Yes,” I whisper.
“I am.”
- Writer
