The high-society dining room was dead silent, save for the muffled, terrifying sobs of five-year-old Lily. Crimson blood trickled down Clara’s cheek where Catherine’s diamond-encrusted ring had sliced her skin.

While Arthur signed the surrender papers with shaking hands, Julian Vance quietly slipped out of the

boardroom. He hurried down the private executive elevator to the underground parking garage,

whipping out his phone to make a high-security encrypted call.

"He's activated," Julian whispered frantically into the phone. "Clara has completely taken over

Vantage. She destroyed Arthur, and she has proof of the Cayman accounts. We need to eliminate her

now!"

On the other end of the line, a slow, menacing laugh resonated through the speaker. "I told you,

Julian. Never underestimate a woman who spent five years observing her enemies from the shadows.

Clara Vance is her mother’s daughter."

"What do we do, Boss? She’s going to ruin us!"

"Clara may control the money," the mysterious voice replied coldly, "but she doesn't control the

shadow network. She thinks she’s protected by her legal team and security guards. Send in Marcus."

Marcus Kane was a legendary corporate hitman and black-ops specialist—a man hired by the world's

elite to make inconvenient people disappear without a trace.

Meanwhile, back in her penthouse suite, Clara stood near the floor-to-ceiling glass windows

overlooking the glittering city skyline. Lily was playing peacefully with her building blocks on the

plush rug.

Clara’s phone buzzed. It was an private alert from her personal intelligence officer, Ethan.

"Madam," Ethan reported, his voice tight. "Julian Vance just reached out to 'The Phantom Syndicate.'

They’ve put out a contract on you."

Clara’s eyes narrowed slightly, reflecting the city lights. She didn't flinch. She had anticipated this

move years ago.

"Who is the operative?" Clara asked softly.

"Marcus Kane. He’s already in the city."

"Good," Clara said, a chilling smile touching her lips. "I’ve been waiting for Marcus for five years. Tell

our strike team to prepare the trap. Let him think he’s the hunter."

She walked over to her daughter, kneeling down to touch Lily’s soft hair. "Mommy is going to finish

His mother applauded while he shoved my daughter’s head down in public,...

The Morning After Their Wedding, Ryan Slapped Leah Because His Sister’s...

"A Young Girl Held Her Teddy Bear Close As Her Father Carried Her Into A...

The front doors of the Harrow estate flew open just as eight pink candles were being lit.Ethan Cole stepped into the crowded drawi...

cleaning up the house tonight, sweetie," she whispered softly. "And then, no one will ever hurt us

again."

Chapter 4: The Shadow Handler