Chapter 10%
“This was Mikael,” I said, pacing the room. “It has to be. Who else would sink this low? It is his fault. We need to do something! My father is dead.”
Rafael leaned against the desk, calm as ever, though his eyes glinted with a dangerous edge. “You’re right. And now it’s time he learns who he’s dealing with.”
I stopped pacing, narrowing my eyes at him. “What do you mean?”
Rafael stood, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. “Mikael has always underestimated me. To him, I’m just nothing. But tonight, that changes.”
I tilted my head. “How?”
“There’s a bidding tonight,” Rafael said. “The Russians are finalizing their supplier for the largest drug deal in the region. Mikael thinks he’s already secured it. He’ll be there, basking in his victory.“}
“And?” I prompted, crossing my arms.
“And,” Rafael said, smirking, “I’ll be there to ruin it. It’s time Mikael met the real boss of the Ace of Queen.“}
His words hit like a thunderclap. I stared at him, processing the full weight of what he was saying. “You’re going to reveal yourself?“) “Yes,” Rafael said simply.
The sheer audacity of his plan sent a thrill through me, cutting through my anger like a blade. “Then let’s make sure he never forgets it. This is for my father!”
The venue was dripping with opulence, a grand ballroom filled with powerful men and their entourages. Chandeliers cast golden light over polished floors, and the air buzzed with quiet conversation.
We arrived just as the Russian businessman stood at the front of the room, commanding attention. Mikael was nearby, all smug confidence as he spoke to a cluster of men. His smile was too wide, his posture too relaxed. He thought he’d already won.
“Stay close,” Rafael said under his breath as we entered.
I nodded, my eyes locked on Mikael. My fury simmered beneath the surface, but I held it back, letting Rafael take the lead.
The Russian cleared his throat, silencing the room. “Gentlemen,” he began, his voice smooth and heavily accented. “Tonight, we finalize the deal for the largest supply chain in the region. As of now, Mr. Mikael Salvatore has provided the most compelling terms. If no one objects, we will conclude this evening.“}
Mikael stepped forward, “As always, my organization is prepared to deliver the highest quality and efficiency. The Russians deserve nothing less.”
The room erupted in polite applause, but it froze as Rafael stepped forward.
“I object,” Rafael said.
All eyes turned to him. Whispers broke out as Mikael’s gaze darkened.
“Rafael,” Mikael said. “What is the meaning of this?”
Rafael didn’t answer immediately. He walked to the center of the room, letting the tension build. The murmurs grew louder until he spoke again.”
“I’m here to offer a better deal,” Rafael said. He turned to the Russian businessman, ignoring Mikael entirely. “You might want to reconsider your choice. After all, the Ace of Queen has resources Mikael can only dream of.”@
Gasps rippled through the crowd. The Ace of Queen. The name carried weight, power, and fear.
Mikael’s composure cracked for a brief second before he forced a laugh. “You? You’re just a member of the Ace of Queen. You have
no right to barge in here. If your group wants to negotiate, they should send their boss.“!
Rafael’s lips curved into a sharp smirk, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement. He took a step closer to Mikael, his voice dropping just enough to make the entire room lean in.
“You’re already talking to the boss.“}
