Chapter 7 - The Devil in Pearls
The service elevator climbed slowly on backup generator power, its hum drowned out by the thumping of Alexander’s heart. When the doors scraped open onto the 88th floor, the smell of cordite and burnt insulation filled the penthouse hallway.
Two of Alexander’s bodyguards lay motionless on the marble tiles, their weapons empty. Alexander stepped over them, his footsteps silent as he cleared each corner of his expansive living room.
Sitting calmly on the cream-colored designer chair, holding a bone-china teacup, was Madeline Robas.
She wore an impeccably tailored black Chanel suit, her silver hair pulled into an austere chignon, ropes of pearls gleaming against her neck. Behind her stood two hulking contractors carrying assault rifles, their barrels aimed squarely at Alexander as he walked out from the hallway shadows.
""You’re late for the reception, Alexander,"" Madeline said, her voice dripping with aristocratic condescension as she took a delicate sip of tea. ""Your wife put up quite a fight. Very uncivilized.""
Alexander’s gaze darted to the corner of the room. Eleanor was on her knees, her face bruised, her silk robe torn, guarded by a third mercenary whose boot was pressed hard against her shoulder. Clara was nowhere in sight.
""Where is my daughter, Madeline?"" Alexander asked, his voice deathly level as he kept his weapon raised toward her heart.
Madeline smiled, setting her cup on the saucer with a soft, dismissive clink. ""Safe in the vault for now. Though my technicians are cutting through the secondary lock as we speak. You see, Alexander, your girl was supposed to be docile. She was supposed to hand over the port deeds like a dutiful daughter-in-law.""
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""You touched her,"" Alexander said, taking one measured step forward.
""I disciplined her,"" Madeline corrected sharply, her eyes flaring with ancient hatred. ""The Vance family has choked the Robas bloodline out of this city for decades. Today, you sign the transfer, or you watch Clara buried in the foundations of the harbor.""
