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“Half the drugs. You leave. If I catch a whiff of you anywhere near my city again… Consider this a temporary reprieve. Otherwise…” I wave the gun at him.
He gulps. “Half. Half works. I’ll go. I swear. You’ll never hear from me again.”
I nod to Alex, who calls Xavier and tells him to load up a van with half of the drugs.
My mind is churning. I don’t care to become a drug dealer myself, but just this once, I’ll sell the other half of Anderson’s drugs and buy up weapons and bombs for the coming war.
It’s a strategic concession, a move borne out of the echoes of Dominic’s sacrifice, guiding me toward a path that seeks a balance between ruthless pragmatism and a flicker of humanity.
Once Xavier pulls out front, Alex, Anderson, and I leave the building.
“He’ll drive you to wherever you want and even might help you unload. Then, all ties are severed,” I say firmly. “Consider this my version of mercy.”
Anderson’s eyes flicker with a mix of relief and caution. He nods to me but doesn’t say anything as he hurries to sit in the passenger seat.
As they drive off, I exhale.
“Are you sure about this?” Alex murmurs.
“I’ll make our enemies pay,” I tell him. “We have more to do.”
As we head back inside and go up to my office, I can’t shake the feeling that the choices made in this room will ripple through the intricate web of alliances and conflicts, setting the stage for the looming war.
Before Xavier calls to say he’s on his way back from New Mexico, I’ve already set into motion a plan of my own. Through Jesse, we’re able to sell the drugs in one massive deal, and the funds acquired from the sale of the drugs become the currency for a different kind of power—weapons, explosives, the tools of warfare. It’s a bold and dangerous move, a calculated risk that marks my preparation for the impending conflict with Viktor, Damian, and the looming threat of the Eclipse Society.
The duality of my decisions—mercy granted to one while preparing for war against others—paints a complex portrait of the woman I’ve become. The echoes of Dominic’s sacrifice provide a compass, guiding me through the murky terrain of alliances, betrayals, and the relentless pursuit of control over the criminal underworld.
In the midst of chaos, I forge ahead, driven not only by the thirst for power but also by the indelible imprints of love and sacrifice that shape the intricate mosaic of my existence. The shadows deepen, but within them, a flicker of redemption dances – a glimmer that suggests even in the darkest corners,there exists the possibility of finding a path to self-discovery and, perhaps, a form of absolution.
CHAPTER 28
It’s almost four in the afternoon now, and I’m surprised Damian hasn’t made a move yet. Alex has been by my side all day, and the others, aside from Xavier with his job, have been checking in and giving reports.
So far, nothing from Damian or his Eclipse Society.
Honestly, that makes me a little nervous.
Unless he didn’t realize I was the one to orchestrate that attack?
Just then, my cell buzzes with an incoming call. It’s not any of my lovers. This time, Damian’s name flashes on the screen. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever confrontation awaits, and then answer.
“Vanessa, you surprise me,” he says, his voice smooth yet devoid of emotion. “I didn’t think you had it in you to strike back like that.”
“I’m full of surprises,” I say nonchalantly. “What do you want, Damian?”
“A face-to-face meeting,” he says, and I’m pretty sure he’s smirking based on his tone. “I’d like to discuss our current predicament.”
I suppress a laugh. “I’ve seen enough of your face for one lifetime. We can talk over the phone.”
He’s the one to laugh out loud. “Always the cautious one. Fine, Vanessa, over the phone it is, but mark my words, our paths will cross sooner or later.”
I ignore the thinly veiled threat. In this world, alliances are fragile, and words are just as lethal as bullets. Damian might be amused by my audacity, but I’m not about to let my guard down. The war is far from over, and every move must be calculated.
“How about this?” he asks smoothly. “I’ll agree not to go after you if you leave me be.”
I smile. I have him exactly where I want him.
“I’ll consider this,” I say, “but consideration doesn’t mean agreement, Damian. I’ve got my own plans.”
