Chapter 7: Ashes and Ultimatums
502 Words
Chapter 7: Ashes and Ultimatums
The flames lit up the New York skyline like a warning.
Jayson stood on the rooftop of a neighboring building, watching as the remains of his downtown office—one of Smith & Wells' flagship locations crackled and burned. Fire crews swarmed the scene, but the damage was done. The media was already broadcasting live. The cameras zoomed in on the company logo charred black across the falling debris.
“He’s sending a message,” Jayson said, voice low and tight.
Lucy, standing beside him in the cold wind, clenched her fists. “He wants us to know he’s ahead. That we’re playing his game now.”
Jayson didn’t answer. His phone buzzed again—this time, another message from John.
"Tell Lucy she’s next if she keeps playing your dirty games. Meet me tomorrow at midnight. Alone. Or this war becomes a massacre."
Lucy read it over his shoulder. “He’s bluffing.”
“No,” Jayson said darkly. “He never bluffs. He’s too entitled to think he’ll lose.”
She turned to him, eyes burning. “Then let’s stop playing defense.”
Back at the penthouse, Evelyn already had security footage and phone intercepts laid out across the conference table.
“We traced John’s burner to a warehouse in Brooklyn. That’s likely where he’s operating from,” she said.
Jayson crossed his arms. “He wants me to come alone. Which means he’s planning something.”
Lucy shook her head. “You’re not going without backup.”
“I have to. If I don’t show, he’ll escalate. Again.”
Lucy stepped in front of him, gripping his arm. “Then take me. Let me face him, Jayson. He’s doing this to destroy me too.”
“No.” His voice was sharp. “You’re the reason he’s unraveling. If he sees you again, he might lose control completely.”
“Good,” she whispered. “Let him.”
Jayson stared at her.
The girl he had met at the gala was gone. In her place stood a woman forged in heartbreak and fire. She wasn’t afraid anymore.
And that terrified him.
---
Midnight. Brooklyn.
Jayson stepped into the dark warehouse alone, a single lightbulb swaying overhead.
John emerged from the shadows, dressed in black, his eyes wild.
“Well, well,” John said. “Uncle Jayson. Finally playing by my rules.”
Jayson didn’t flinch. “This ends tonight.”
John laughed. “Oh no. This is only the beginning.”
From the shadows, another figure stepped forward.
Lucy.
John’s eyes widened.
“You brought her?” he snarled.
“I came on my own,” Lucy said. “You want a war, John? Then face your enemy.”
John’s hand twitched—just enough for Jayson to notice the gun holstered beneath his coat.
In one quick motion, Jayson grabbed Lucy and pushed her behind a steel pillar just as John reached for the weapon.
A gunshot rang out—
And someone screamed.
- Writer
