Chương 83 - Shadows of an Old Friend
Peace in the Vance household was a hard-won victory, but in the complex world of high-profile philanthropy and corporate oversight, old acquaintances sometimes resurfaced in unexpected ways.
It was a Tuesday evening in late November when Viktor walked into Damian’s private study, placing a secure diplomatic envelope on the mahogany desk.
"Courier delivery from Washington, D.C., Boss," Viktor reported, his face carved from stone. "Sent via secure channels from our old contact, Agent Miller."
Damian broke the wax seal, unfolding a formal letter printed on heavy government stationery. He scanned the contents quickly, his dark eyes narrowing slightly.
"Trouble?" Marcus asked, looking up from his laptop where he was reviewing foundation grant allocations.
"Not trouble, exactly," Damian murmured, folding the letter. "Agent Miller is retiring from the FBI's federal task force. He’s hosting a private farewell dinner in Washington next week, and he specifically requested our presence. All of us—including you, Marcus."
Marcus blinked in surprise. "The FBI wants a former syndicate boss and a Stanford AI researcher at a federal retirement dinner?"
"Miller and I share a long, complicated history," Damian explained with a faint, amused smile. "For a decade, he tried to put me behind bars, and for a decade, I kept him chasing ghosts. But towards the end, when Viktorov and Rostov were threatening our families, Miller looked the other way when it mattered most. Honor among rivals, you might say."
"Are we going?" Marcus asked.
May you like
"Of course we're going," Damian replied firmly. "In our world, you never ignore a debt of honor. Besides, a trip to Washington sounds like a pleasant way to kick off the holiday season."
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