Chapter 10
The click of the unlocking door echoed in the dark penthouse like a gunshot. Alexander didn't hesitate. He moved with the terrifying speed of a man desperate to protect his blood. He scooped Sophia into his left arm, burying her face into his shoulder, and drew the heavy, titanium tactical pen from his inner suit pocket with his right hand—his only immediate weapon.
"Thomas, get behind the sofa," Alexander hissed, his voice a low, commanding whisper in the darkness.
Thomas scrambled backward, overturning a heavy marble side table to use as a barricade. Dr. Aris grabbed a heavy bronze lamp from the desk, standing near the bedroom door.
The heavy double doors of the penthouse swung open slowly. The hallway lights had been cut as well, leaving the entrance shrouded in deep shadow.
Four men stepped into the room. They wore dark, tactical clothing, completely lacking any police or hotel security insignia. Their fair, rosy skin caught the faint moonlight spilling through the windows. They held suppressed pistols equipped with laser sights, the red beams sweeping across the luxurious living room.
"Alexander Sterling," a voice called out from the hallway. The voice was smooth, cultured, and dripping with arrogant confidence.
Marcus stepped through the doorway, flanked by the armed men. He wore a tailored suit similar to Alexander's, but his demeanor was entirely predatory. On his right thumb, the gold ring with the red stone gleamed menacingly.
"Marcus," Alexander said, stepping out from behind a massive pillar, keeping his body positioned between the armed men and his daughter. "I always knew your ambition outpaced your loyalty."
"It's just business, Alex," Marcus replied, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "You were spending too much time in Europe. The company needed leadership that was willing to get its hands dirty."
"By torturing a six-year-old child?" Alexander asked, his voice vibrating with absolute, murderous fury.
"A necessary complication," Marcus shrugged. "Victoria was too emotional. She couldn't see the big picture. We needed you unbalanced. And frankly, watching you slap your mother into the marble floor downstairs was the perfect opening act for the company's collapse."
"You aren't getting the company," Alexander stated, his muscles tensing, preparing to strike the nearest gunman. "My lawyers have already drafted the emergency freeze orders."
"Oh, I think we will," Marcus chuckled. "You see, tonight, the tragic tale of the Sterling family comes to a heartbreaking end. The media will report that Alexander Sterling, driven mad by the discovery of his abused daughter, shot his lawyer, his doctor, and his child in a murder-suicide."
The four gunmen raised their weapons, the red laser sights painting Alexander's chest.
Sophia whimpered, clutching Alexander's ruined tie. "Daddy..."
"Close your eyes, Sophia," Alexander whispered softly, his body coiling like a spring.
Before the gunmen could squeeze their triggers, a fifth figure stepped out of the dark hallway behind Marcus. It was Victoria. Her evening gown was torn, her face bruised, but she held a small, silver revolver pointed directly at the back of Marcus's head.
"You promised me the company, Marcus," Victoria hissed, her voice trembling with absolute madness. "But you never told me whose blood you were going to spill to get it."
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Marcus froze, his arrogant smile vanishing as he felt the cold steel press against his skull.
Alexander stared at his mother, the fate of his entire world balancing on the edge of a razor.
