Chapter 3 - The Apex Predator
A massive hand clamped around Jack’s wrist mid-air.
The sound of bone groaning under immense pressure echoed in the quiet corner of the walkway. Jack let out a pathetic shriek, his knees buckling as he was violently forced backward.
"I strongly suggest you keep your hands in your pockets, Jack," a low, vibrating voice commanded.
Victor Sterling stepped smoothly in front of me, entirely blocking Jack from my view. Victor was the ruthless CEO of Sterling Global, the most feared private equity firm in Texas. He was also the man my father had trusted to protect me when I decided I wanted to leave the syndicate underworld to live a "normal" life as Megan Walker.
For ten years, Victor had honored my request to stay hidden. He had watched from the shadows, absolutely loathing the man I had chosen, waiting for the day I finally woke up.
Today was the day.
Victor wore a flawless black suit, his dark, calculating eyes pinning Jack to the floor like an insect. Four men in tactical suits materialized behind Victor, forming an impenetrable wall around me.
"Who... who the hell are you?" Jack stammered, cradling his bruised wrist, his eyes darting frantically between Victor and the armed security detail.
"I am the man who actually owns the building your private practice leases," Victor stated lethally, adjusting his cuffs. "I am the man who holds the mortgage on the house you thought you bought. And I am the man who just bought the debt of your mother's failing business."
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Down below, Carol, Ashley, and the mistress had finally rushed up the escalator. They stopped dead in their tracks, horrified by the sight of Jack cowering before a billionaire and a wall of security.
"Jack, what is going on?!" Carol shrieked. "My cards are all declining!"
