CHAPTER 3: A PROMISE IN THE RAIN
Vincent did not raise his voice. He didn't need to. Power radiated from him in cold, deliberate waves.
""She owes fifty thousand,"" Viktor argued, trying to mask his fear. ""Her late husband took the loan. Business is business, Don Vincent.""
""Fifty thousand?"" Vincent reached into his inner pocket, pulled out a checkbook, and wrote a figure with a gold fountain pen. He tore the paper and dropped it onto the floor at Viktor's feet. ""There is one hundred thousand. Fifty for the debt. Fifty for you to leave this state tonight and never let me see your face again.""
Viktor stared at the check, then up at Vincent. ""And if I say no?""
Paul, Vincent’s head of security, racked the slide of his firearm.
""Then you don't leave the warehouse,"" Vincent replied calmly.
Minutes later, Vincent knelt beside Elena, cutting her ropes with a silver pocket knife. The woman collapsed into his arms, weeping uncontrollably.
""My... my daughter..."" she sobbed.
""She's safe in my car,"" Vincent said gently, helping her stand. ""You're both safe now.""
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As they stepped out into the rain, Sophie opened the car door and burst into tears, throwing her arms around her mother. Vincent stood under his umbrella, watching the tearful reunion. For the first time in decades, the heavy knot of guilt in his chest began to loosen.
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