chapter 5

Next day, the door to the office room opened. There stood Harold walked into the room where three of his most trusted men gathered. Nico, Viktor and Silas.

Nico spoke first, "This is dangerous sir, you know who her father is, Daniel James doesn't negotiate. He burns everything down".

Harold lit a cigarette exhaling slowly, his voice calm but cold. I'm counting on that.

Viktor frowned, sir what if a war breakout. We're not equipped to handle a full-blown war with the James.

We don't need a war. Harold replied, we need leverage. The longer we keep his daughter, the more desperate he becomes, desperate men make mistakes.

Silas leaned forward, voice quite, what if she doesn't cooperate with us. If she doesn't then-Harold cut him off sharply. She will, I will take care of her. The men exchanged glances.

Tomorrow we will send a message to Daniel. Harold continued, something small. A reminder that she is still alive. Nico raised an eyebrow.

A video?

NO, a personal item. Something that will hit him emotionally but not push him to act recklessly yet. Harold pulled a delicate silver bracelet from his pocket. This will do.

The room fell into tense silence. Finally, Harold spoke again, voice lower. Daniel destroyed my family once. Now he'll watch as I take what he values most, piece by piece.

What about her? The girl? Viktor questioned, for a moment, Harold's expression flickered-something unreadable crossed his face. Not exactly pity. Not exactly hate.

She's collateral, he said. But even his own voice lacked its usual conviction.

The James mansion-late evening.

Daniel James sat in his grand office, the weight of the situation heavy on his broad shoulders. His wife actually stopped talking to them. The dim glow from the desk lamp cast long shadows across the room filled with old portraits and shelves of rare books. The silence was deafening until his right-hand man. Enzo entered the room holding a small black box.

Boss, Enzo said softly, placing the box on the table. It arrived just now. No note. No signature, only this.

Daniel's cold sharp eyes narrowed as he opened the box. Inside lay Elise's silver bracelet-the one she never took off. His hand tightened into a fist, veins bulging as he stared at the small but heavy symbol.

Bastards, Daniel growled, his voice like thunder. They dare play games. Enzo hesitated before speaking. At least we know she's alive, sir.

For now, Daniel snapped. His jaw clenched tightly. This isn't just about money anymore. They're making this personal.

How are you so sure sir? Enzo questioned confused. If they want money they will contact and demanded ransom.

He stared at the bracelet a moment longer, then carefully closed the box. Double the search efforts, Daniel ordered. Question everyone, the streets, the docks, even the organization families. Someone knows where she is.

And if we find them? Enzo asked.

Bring them to me alive, Daniel said darkly. I want to hear them scream before they beg for mercy.

Enzo nodded and left, leaving Daniel alone in the heavy silence once more. The war had officially begun.

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