Chapter 13 - The Echo of Steel
In the quiet interior of the Aegis's master salon, Marcus Blackwood sat watching the security camera recording of Julian's interaction with Victoria Vance.
Gabriel stood beside him, holding an asset update folder.
"He gave her the Saratoga house," Gabriel remarked dryly. "It cost the trust two point four million dollars."
Marcus didn't yell. He didn't slam his fist on the marble table. He leaned back in his leather chair, a slow, deep chuckle bubbling up from his chest.
"He didn't give her a house, Gabriel," Marcus said, his eyes fixed on the screen where Julian stood watching the ocean. "He bought her silence, her loyalty, and her respect for the rest of her life—for a fraction of a percent of our liquid interest."
Gabriel paused, looking at Marcus in realization.
"He played the game," Gabriel whispered.
May you like
"No," Marcus corrected, his voice filled with a quiet, terrifying pride. "He changed the game. He realized that fear makes enemies... but mercy makes subjects."
Marcus closed the monitor screen, leaving the dark room illuminated only by the soft blue lights of the ocean navigation displays.
