The sirens screamed closer, but the real threat wasn't the police.
It was Victor Mendez.
Moris Sinclair had built his empire with strategy and precision. He had defeated Ronan Vale with intelligence, patience, and calculated brutality.
But Victor wasn't an opponent he had prepared for.
The man was a kingmaker—a force that operated behind the scenes, bending the world to his will. And now, he was standing between two men who thought they were at the top of the food chain.
A Conversation of Power
Victor adjusted his cuffs, speaking in a casual, almost bored tone. "Now, gentlemen, let's be honest. The two of you tearing each other apart is good business for people like me." He smirked. "It keeps the world interesting."
Moris's gaze was unreadable. "Then why step in now?"
Victor chuckled. "Because I don't just watch the game. I decide who wins."
A flicker of something—doubt?—crossed Ronan's face. He had assumed Victor was here to back him. But the older man's words were deliberately ambiguous.
"You see," Victor continued, turning his attention to Ronan, "you made the mistake of believing you were untouchable. That's cute." He glanced at Moris. "And you, Sinclair, thought you could wipe your enemies off the board without consequences. Also cute."
Moris's jaw tightened. He hated being underestimated.
"So, here's what's going to happen," Victor said, stepping between them. "I'm offering you both a choice. Play by my rules—or lose everything."
Silence.
The police cars finally pulled up, red and blue flashing against the dark sky. Officers spilled out, weapons raised, but they hesitated at the sight of Victor Mendez.
Because even the police knew better than to move against him.
The Unspoken Threat
Sarah, watching from the shadows, whispered into Moris's earpiece. "What do we do?"
Moris's mind raced.
He could refuse Victor's offer and risk war with a man who had influence in places no one could reach.
Or he could accept it, knowing that any deal with Victor Mendez came at a cost.
Ronan spoke first. "And what exactly are these 'rules' of yours?"
Victor smiled. "Simple. You two stop this little feud. Moris keeps his empire. Ronan, you walk away with your life."
Ronan tensed. "You expect me to just give up?"
Victor tilted his head. "The alternative is that you disappear. Permanently."
Ronan's mouth pressed into a thin line. He understood the meaning behind Victor's words.
Moris studied them both. His instincts screamed at him to reject any control over his empire. But Victor Mendez wasn't someone you ignored.
Victor turned to him. "You have the most to lose, Sinclair. What's it going to be?"
Moris's fingers curled into a fist.
He had won the battle. But the war had just begun.