Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23: THE PROTOCOL
"Arthur Pendelton," my father said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "The Chairman of the Obsidian Group."
"The very same," Arthur smiled, taking a step closer. The mercenaries adjusted their weapons, their laser sights painting my father’s chest once more. "We don't care about your family drama, Valeria. But Grupo Salazar’s global logistics network handles forty percent of the untraceable cargo moving between the Americas and Europe. We own the shell companies that funded your father's first dock. You are a tenant in our house."
"You kidnapped my attorney," I said, stepping out from behind my father, holding Leo tight against my chest. "You attacked my family. If you wanted the shipping lines, you could have made a corporate offer."
Arthur chuckled, a sound that made my skin crawl. "Corporate offers are for the public, my dear. In our world, we execute transitions. Your father has twenty-four hours to sign the Obsidian Protocol, transferring absolute operational control of the Salazar board to us. If he does, you and the boy live out your days in luxury. If he doesn't..."
He gestured to a mercenary behind him, who held up a tablet. The screen displayed a live heart monitor feed.
"Sofia Vance’s heart rate is currently a steady eighty beats per minute," Arthur said smoothly. "If the digital signature isn't uploaded to our Zurich server by midnight tomorrow, a micro-explosive device embedded in her carotid artery will detonate. And she is just the first. We know where every executive on your board sleeps, Valeria."
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"You won't get away with this, Pendelton," Marcus snarled from the shadows, his rifle still aimed at Arthur's head.
"We already have, Mr. Vance," Arthur replied, turning on his heel. "We have the docks. We have the courts. The helicopter waiting outside belongs to us now. You have twenty-four hours. Choose wisely."
