Chapter 39
Sterling Vance jolted awake as the heavy doors of his master suite burst open. The bright, tactical lights of the Rizzano operatives blinded him. He scrambled backward against the headboard, his fair skin slick with panicked sweat.
Alessandro stepped into the room, lowering his weapon. The intimidating, deeply masculine aura he projected completely dominated the terrified billionaire.
"Sterling Vance," Alessandro said, his American accent crisp, measured, and absolute.
"Rizzano!" Vance gasped, raising his hands in sheer terror. "How did you find me?! My security—"
"Your security is dead," Alessandro interrupted smoothly. He walked slowly toward the bed, the polished leather of his tactical boots silent on the plush carpet. "You left a music box in my daughter's room."
"It was just a warning!" Vance sobbed hysterically, realizing his corporate games had summoned a monster. "It was business! I lost billions because of your monopoly on the ports! I needed you distracted!"
"You threatened my child over a profit margin," Alessandro whispered, his voice dropping into a freezing, apocalyptic register.
"I'll give you everything!" Vance pleaded. "I have offshore accounts! I can double your syndicate's net worth overnight! Please, I'm not a killer! I'm just a businessman!"
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"And I am a father," Alessandro replied coldly.
He didn't hesitate. He raised his suppressed sidearm and pulled the trigger. The flawless shot executed the billionaire instantly, permanently ending the threat of The Architect.
