Chapter 9: Calculated Risk
Julian held Victor’s gaze, refusing to give away an ounce of hesitation. The realization that Victor’s operatives had been monitoring Sarah right up until her death made Julian’s blood run cold, but outward calm remained his greatest weapon. He knew that opening the gates or showing weakness would invite a direct assault on his home, endangering Clara and little Lily.
"You're assuming I have what you're looking for, Victor," Julian said, his voice measured and authoritative. "And you're assuming I would negotiate with a thief operating inside my own company."
Victor chuckled, a dry, humorless sound that echoed off the stone pillars of the entryway. "Thief? Julian, we built this empire on gray lines and necessary compromises. Those files contain details of acquisitions that would dismantle Vance Global in twenty-four hours. Not to mention destroy your pristine reputation. Do you really want your legacy ruined over a ghost from your past and two illegitimate kids?"
Julian’s jaw tightened. The insult to Sarah and Clara struck a raw nerve, but he maintained his external poise. "Those children are my family, Victor. And you've severely underestimated what I am willing to sacrifice to protect them."
"Family?" Victor scoffed, stepping closer to the iron bars. "You don't know the first thing about raising a family, Julian. You're a machine designed to make money. Hand over the data, and I'll make sure your little orphans are placed quietly in a comfortable foster system on the other side of the country. Refuse, and this entire estate becomes a liability you won't survive."
Julian shifted his weight, his hand brushing against the titanium flash drive in his pocket. He had already transmitted an encrypted copy of the files to an offsite secure server and dispatched a distress signal to federal authorities specializing in corporate financial crimes. He only needed to buy a few more minutes.
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"You always did talk too much, Victor," Julian said coldly. "Especially when you were cornered."
Victor’s expression hardened instantly. He raised his hand, signaling toward the dark sedan. The rear doors opened, and two heavyset men stepped out into the mist, moving purposefully toward the gates with bolt cutters. Julian didn't flinch. He turned his back on them with deliberate slowness, walking calmly up the stone steps toward the mansion, knowing the trap had finally been sprung.
