Chapter 13
The sheer, overwhelming violence that Roland and his operatives projected quickly broke the resolve of the Thorne strike force. Accustomed to intimidating civilians and rival dealers, they were entirely unprepared to face a disciplined, heavily armed private army led by a warlord who felt no fear.
"Fall back! Fall back to the vehicles!" Dominic screamed, realizing his impulsive assault was rapidly turning into a slaughter.
"No one leaves!" Roland commanded, his deep, raspy voice slicing through the gunfire.
The Ashcroft operatives sealed the grand entryway, cutting off the retreat. The remaining Thorne men surrendered instantly, dropping their weapons onto the ruined marble floor, raising their hands in sheer, unadulterated terror.
Dominic Thorne stood alone, his weapon empty, his chest heaving. The arrogant patriarch looked around at the bodies of his men and the destruction of the gallery.
Roland walked slowly across the room. His polished leather shoes crunched over the shattered glass and ruined artwork. He stopped just inches away from the older man. The height difference allowed Roland to look down his high-bridged nose at the terrified rival boss.
"You brought a war into my home, Dominic," Roland whispered, his volume incredibly low, measuring out the doom of his enemy.
"Roland, please," Dominic gasped, his American accent cracking. "It was an emotional reaction! Camellia is my daughter! We can negotiate a ceasefire! I'll pay reparations for the gallery!"
"The gallery is insured," Roland stated coldly. "But the insult to my authority is unforgivable."
Roland raised his weapon and pressed the hot suppressor directly against Dominic’s chest. The older man sobbed, squeezing his eyes shut.
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"You are going to order your remaining forces to stand down, Dominic. You will transfer the deeds to your northern shipping routes to my holding company by midnight," Roland demanded smoothly. "If you hesitate, I will not kill you. I will dismantle your family piece by piece while you watch."
Dominic nodded frantically, completely broken by the absolute dominance of the younger boss.
