Chapter 35
The Apex Club was an opulent, highly exclusive restaurant located on the top floor of a downtown skyscraper. The cinematic lighting was warm and golden, illuminating the city's wealthy elite. Julian Sterling sat in a private, glass-walled dining room, sipping an expensive vintage wine. He was a fair-skinned man in his fifties, exuding arrogant, corporate confidence.
The heavy glass doors of the private room swung open. Julian looked up, expecting the waiter. Instead, he saw the towering, deeply masculine figure of Adrian Hale.
Adrian stepped into the room alone, his polished leather shoes silent on the plush carpet. He projected an aura of absolute, terrifying danger that completely suffocated the air in the room.
"Mr. Hale," Julian stammered, his rosy skin paling instantly as he recognized the infamous Mafia boss. "This is a private room. Security!"
"Security works for me tonight, Julian," Adrian stated smoothly, taking a seat directly across from the CEO. He did not raise his voice. His volume was incredibly low, commanding total submission.
"You cannot be here," Julian insisted, his voice trembling. "If you threaten me, I will have the FBI swarm your estate by morning!"
Adrian slowly reached into his tailored suit jacket. Julian flinched, expecting a weapon. Instead, Adrian pulled out a sleek, black flash drive and slid it across the white tablecloth.
"Open it," Adrian commanded softly.
May you like
Trembling, Julian plugged the drive into his smartphone. The screen illuminated his terrified face. It contained irrefutable, highly classified documentation proving Julian's firm had embezzled millions from European pensions.
"You attempted to use the federal government against me," Adrian whispered, leaning forward slightly. "I simply decided to use it against you. If you do not withdraw your acquisition of my high-rises by midnight, those files go to Interpol."
