Chapter 6: The Steel Cage
Adrian stepped into the stark glare of the floodlights, raising his hands slowly. The armed guards instantly surrounded him, pinning his arms and stripping his jacket. Victor walked out from the shadow of the cargo crane, holding an antique gold lighter, his tailored suit completely unbothered by the rain.
Behind him, two men dragged Julian forward. Julian was battered and bloodied, but when his eyes met Adrian's, a flicker of resolute brotherhood sparked between them.
"You brought the physical trust certificates, I presume?" Victor asked, flicking the lighter open and closed.
"They're in my pocket," Adrian answered calmly. "Signed, sealed, and transferable. Let Julian go, and let the people in Container 404 go."
Victor chuckled, a dry, cold sound. "You always had your father's tragic idealism. Business doesn't operate on mercy, Adrian. Once I own the docks, Julian dies. You die. And those people inside the box? They become invisible labor halfway across the Atlantic."
May you like
Julian suddenly looked up, coughing slightly. "Adrian... now."
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