Chapter 16 - THE TRAP IS SET
Night fell over Chicago like a heavy black velvet curtain. Fog rolled off Lake Michigan, wrapping the rusted cranes and decaying brick structures of the Old Harbor in a ghostly haze.
At 11:00 PM, a sleek black limousine pulled up to Warehouse 14.
Dante stepped out first, wearing a dark charcoal suit, his broad shoulders squared against the damp cold. Grace stepped out beside him, holding the leather briefcase. Marcus and four trusted security men followed, their hands resting near their concealed weapons.
Inside the cavernous warehouse, yellow floodlights hung from steel rafters. Standing near a folding table in the center of the floor was Julian Rossi, surrounded by a dozen heavily armed mercenaries carrying automatic rifles.
Julian smiled, a sharp, arrogant grin that didn't reach his cold eyes. He clapped his hands mockingly.
"The great Don Moretti! And his lovely, brave little schoolteacher," Julian sneered, stepping forward. "You brought her to a cartel signing, Dante? How romantic."
"Cut the theatricals, Julian," Dante said, his voice echoing loudly against the steel walls. "You wanted the shipping docks. The deeds are here. In exchange, you leave Chicago tonight and never mention my family again."
Julian stepped up to the table, leaning on it with both hands. "You think you dictate terms? Look around you, Dante! I have snipers in the rafters! I have fifty men outside! You came into my kingdom with six guys and a lady!"
Grace stepped forward, unbuttoning her coat calmly and placing the leather briefcase on the table. She opened it, turning the stack of legal documents toward Julian.
"If you knew anything about kingdoms, Julian," Grace said smoothly, her eyes locked onto his, "you would know that a Don who rules by fear loses his empire the moment his men realize he's sloppy."
Julian’s smile flickered. "What did you say to me?"
"You left a paper trail in Milan," Grace continued, her voice echoing with utter confidence. "You used three dummy corporations to fund your mercenaries tonight. Right now, those accounts are being frozen by the European Central Bank."
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Julian’s face flushed with sudden rage. He whipped out a silver pistol, aiming it straight at Grace's forehead. "Shut your mouth!"
Dante moved instantly, placing his massive body directly between Julian's gun and Grace, his eyes burning with lethal intent. "Lower the gun, Julian. Or this warehouse becomes your tomb."
