Chapter 10 - The Breach
The tactical operative stepped fully into the beam of Thomas’s flashlight, his boots crunching loudly over the shattered glass. Julian didn't flinch; instead, a cold, calculating smile spread across his face, revealing that he wasn't entirely surprised by the intrusion.
""So, the board decided to clean house permanently,"" Julian said, his voice entirely devoid of fear as he walked calmly toward his desk, ignoring the weapon pointed directly at his chest. ""How much did they pay you to stage a hostile takeover?""
""This isn't a corporate hit, Julian,"" Thomas yelled, dropping into a defensive stance near the wet bar while pulling his service weapon from his holster. ""Step away from the desk!""
Elena held Lily tightly, her eyes darting between the armed operative and Julian. The tension in the room was so thick it felt tangible, every breath echoing loudly in the enclosed penthouse space. The tactical operative ignored Thomas entirely, raising his weapon slightly and aiming straight at the safe hidden behind the executive oil painting on the wall.
""Open the wall vault, Vance,"" the operative commanded, his voice metallic and flat. ""Hand over the physical bearer bonds and the original adoption ledger, or the girl and your brother walk out of here in body bags.""
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Julian slowly turned his head, his dark eyes locking onto Lily cowering behind the sofa. For a split second, a flicker of genuine human emotion crossed his hardened face—before it was instantly locked away behind his impenetrable corporate mask.
""You think threatening a child gives you leverage over me?"" Julian murmured softly, reaching slowly into his jacket pocket.
