Chapter 6 - Fortifying the Estate
Back at the Cross estate, the atmosphere had shifted from quiet shock to military-grade preparation. Damian knew Viktor Sterling too well. The moment the boy was confirmed alive, it was only a matter of time before the Syndicate realized the truth and made a move.
In the high-tech security command center established in the mansion's basement, screens flickered with live camera feeds of the perimeter walls, the dense surrounding woodlands, and every single entry point to the property.
Marcus stood before a digital map of the estate, tapping a screen to highlight tactical choke points. "We've reinforced the gates with double-plated steel. The sniper nests in the east and west turrets are manned with our best marksmen. If anyone tries to breach the fence, they won't make it twenty feet onto the lawn."
Damian stood beside him, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. He had changed out of his business suit into tactical gear—dark combat pants, a reinforced vest, and a holstered sidearm resting against his hip. He looked less like a corporate executive now and more like the warlord who had conquered the city's underworld a decade ago.
"What about Grace and the children?" Damian asked, his eyes never leaving the security monitors.
"They're secured in the safe room beneath the master study," Marcus replied. "Heavy blast doors, independent air supply, direct comm-link to my station. They’re as safe as humanly possible."
"Good," Damian muttered. He reached down and touched the silver pocket watch he had kept in his pocket—the one Leo had unlocked earlier that afternoon. The thought of his son sitting safely underground gave him an anchor of pure, unyielding resolve.
"Damian," Marcus said hesitantly, lowering his voice so the other technicians in the room couldn't hear. "Are you sure about this? If Viktor comes, he's not coming with a few small-time thugs. He’s going to bring heavy ordnance. This estate is going to turn into a war zone."
Damian turned his head slowly, his eyes burning with a cold, terrifying light. "Let him come, Marcus. For six years, I lived in a house built on grief. I let them take my family, my peace, my future. Tonight, this war ends. Either Viktor Sterling burns in the ashes he created, or I die trying."
Before Marcus could answer, a loud, shrill alarm echoed through the command center.
On the central monitor, the thermal imaging feed of the northern perimeter fence suddenly lit up with dozens of bright, moving signatures.
"Boss!" a technician shouted over the blaring siren. "Multiple unauthorized vehicles approaching through the tree line. Heavy infantry. They're blowing the outer gate!"
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Damian didn't flinch. He reached up, tapped his earpiece, and spoke into the comm-net connecting every armed guard across the estate.
"This is Cross," his voice boomed through the speakers, calm, steady, and lethal. "Engage at will. Leave no survivors."
