Chapter 7 - THE CALL FROM THE OFFICE
Before Elena could answer, a loud, sharp chime echoed from the open doors of Alessandro’s private office.
On the massive high-definition monitors along the back wall, the digital stream flickered. The face of an elder syndicate representative—a ruthless, silver-haired man from New York—filled the primary screen, his voice booming through the office speakers into the quiet marble hallway.
"Alessandro! We are waiting on your final authorization for the North Side territory transfer! Re-enter the frame immediately!"
The harsh, demanding voice broke the paralyzing spell hanging over the corridor.
Alessandro didn't turn around. He didn't look back toward the office monitors or the multi-million-dollar deal waiting on his signature. His entire universe had shrunk down to the tiny silver pendant in his hand, the baby resting against his chest, and the terrified housekeeper standing before him.
Without taking his eyes off Elena, Alessandro reached into his inner suit pocket, pulled out his encrypted smartphone, and tapped the screen once without looking.
"Marco," Alessandro commanded into the receiver, his voice cold, flat, and absolute. "Shut down the conference. Cut the feeds to New York and Miami. Lock down the penthouse private elevator. Nobody comes up. Nobody goes down."
"Boss?" Marco’s voice responded over the speaker, sounding thoroughly bewildered. "We're in the middle of the territorial vote—"
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"Shut it down now!" Alessandro roared into the phone.
He ended the call, tossed the expensive smartphone onto the marble floor where it skidded against a pillar, and turned his full, terrifying focus back to Elena.
