Chapter 5 - The Hidden Vault of Eleanor
Two hours later, the storm over Manhattan reached its peak.
Inside the locked penthouse, the Capos sat in dead silence as the audio recordings retrieved from Eleanor’s Federal Reserve safe played over the room’s surround-sound speakers.
The voice of Julian Vance filled the room, clear and chilling:
“Make sure the convoy takes the alley route near 4th Street, Colin. Eleanor has the ledgers in her purse. Once the hitmen take out her guards, torch the car. Make it look like a rival hit. Adrian will be so blinded by grief he’ll hand you the security codes to the harbor vaults.”
Then Colin’s voice replied:
“What about the baby? She’s due in two weeks.”
Julian’s response was ice-cold: “If the baby survives the crash, tell the doctor she died at birth. Send her to the furnace. I won't have an heiress standing between me and the Whitmore billions.”
Old Capo Vane stood up, his face red with fury, pulling his own gun and aiming it directly at Julian. “You filthy animal! You murdered your own sister!”
“Wait!” Julian shrieked, crawling backward against the glass window, his hands raised in terror. “It wasn't just us! The Vance syndicate was losing everything! Colin promised me fifty percent of the shipping routes if I helped him take down Adrian!”
Adrian stood up slowly from his chair. He didn't look angry. His face was a mask of cold, absolute judgment.
“You took my fiancée,” Adrian whispered, stepping toward Julian. “You forced my daughter to live in hiding for eight months. You made Grace risk her life every single day just to keep a baby fed.”
Adrian turned to Silas, who stepped into the penthouse holding a pair of heavy iron cuffs.
“Take them to the subterranean vault beneath the Docks,” Adrian ordered calmly. “No doctors. No food. No light. They stay there until I decide how they die.”
“Adrian! Please!” Julian begged, sobbing as Silas dragged him across the floor by his collar. “She was my sister! I’m family!”
“Eleanor was your sister,” Adrian said, turning his back on him. “And you executed her for money. You are nothing.”
As the traitors were dragged away, Adrian turned to the remaining Capos. They all bowed their heads in deep respect and fear, recognizing that the true King of New York had returned to his throne.
“Capo Vane,” Adrian said.
“Yes, Boss?”
“Prepare my estate in Westchester. Clean out the old nursery. Fill it with light, flowers, and every toy money can buy.”
May you like
Adrian’s eyes softened for the first time in eight months.
“I’m bringing my daughter home tomorrow. And the woman who saved her is coming with us.”
