Chapter 16 - INTO THE LION'S DEN
The Continental Club was an exclusive, underground sanctuary where mob bosses conducted their most delicate business.
Weapons were strictly forbidden inside, but both Victor and Lena knew the rules only applied to those who followed them.
Lena wore a stunning black silk dress that elegantly concealed the thin ballistic vest wrapped around her ribs.
When the heavy brass doors opened, the entire room fell into a suffocating, terrifying silence.
Dozens of high-ranking criminals stopped talking and turned to stare at the power couple making their entrance.
Sitting at the very back of the dimly lit room was Vladimir Petrov, surrounded by giant Russian bodyguards.
He was a terrifyingly scarred, white-haired man who radiated absolute authority and violence.
Victor firmly held Lena's hand as they walked across the room and sat down at the table directly across from the old boss.
"You have a lot of nerve bringing this street rat into my presence, Victor," Vladimir growled in a thick accent.
"She is my future wife, Vladimir, and you will address her with the respect she commands," Victor replied smoothly.
Vladimir let out a dry, raspy laugh that sounded like rocks grinding together.
"She commands nothing but a mop and a bucket," Vladimir spat venomously.
"You murdered my son, and you locked my daughter in a cage like an animal."
"I am giving you one last chance to surrender your territories and walk away with your pathetic lives."
Lena placed her hands neatly on the table, leaned forward, and looked the terrifying mafia boss directly in the eyes.
"Your son brought heavily armed men into my home to murder a fifteen-year-old boy," Lena said, her voice completely devoid of fear.
"Your daughter conspired to poison the man she was supposed to marry."
"The Petrov family has no honor, no loyalty, and very soon, no power left in this city."
The surrounding mob bosses gasped audibly at the sheer audacity of her words.
No one had ever dared to speak to Vladimir Petrov with such blatant disrespect.
Vladimir’s face turned violently red, and he slammed his massive fists onto the table.
May you like
"I will carve your heart out!" Vladimir roared, gesturing frantically to his hidden assassins.
The trap was finally sprung.
