Chapter 8 - THE TABLE TURNS
The high-end Italian restaurant in downtown Chicago was quiet at 2:00 PM.
Viktor Sterling sat in the corner booth, sipping espresso.
He looked up as a woman in an immaculate charcoal pantsuit approached his table.
Dark sunglasses concealed my eyes.
I slid into the booth opposite him without waiting for an invitation.
“Can I help you, Ms. Bennett?” Viktor asked, a smug smile playing on his lips.
“You can stop pretending you don't know why I’m here, Viktor,” I said, removing my sunglasses.
Viktor’s smile faded.
“Word travels fast,” he murmured.
“You’ve declared war on Adrian.”
“I’ve declared independence,” I corrected him softly.
“And I brought a housewarming gift.”
I placed a sleek gold flash drive on the white tablecloth.
Viktor stared at it cautiously.
“What is this?”
“Every encrypted shipping route, tax evasion loophole, and shell company Moretti Holdings owns.”
“Provided by none other than Adrian’s precious Lily Monroe.”
Viktor leaned back against the leather cushions, his eyes narrowing.
“And what do you want in return, Claire?”
“Fifty percent of the North Side shipping docks,” I answered evenly.
“And total immunity from Moretti retaliation while I dismantle the rest.”
Viktor let out a low, appreciative whistle.
“Adrian thought you were just a quiet girl who poured his coffee.”
“Everyone makes that mistake,” I smiled coldly.
“Do we have a deal?”
May you like
Viktor reached out and gripped the flash drive.
“We have a deal.”
