Chapter 51 - Whispers in the Inner Circle
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long, bruised shadows across the private courtyard of the Oakridge estate. While the world outside buzzed with news of Moretti dominance, a select gathering of loyal operatives, intelligence heads, and regional directors had assembled in the subterranean briefing room beneath the east wing.
Standing before a massive tactical map of Europe and the Mediterranean, Viktor—the longtime head of Moretti security—pointed a laser marker at a cluster of red dots near the Maltese coast.
"The remnants of the old Vanguard faction are attempting to regroup," Viktor reported, his voice gravelly and devoid of emotion. "They’ve acquired a decommissioned naval corvette and are trying to establish a smuggling corridor through our shipping lanes."
Matteo sat back in his chair, arms folded across his chest, his expression impassive. "How long have they been operating under the illusion that they could hide from us?"
"Three weeks, Mr. Moretti," Viktor replied. "We let them move so we could trace their financial backers in Zurich and Geneva. We have all their identities."
Elena stepped forward, her heels clicking sharply against the polished concrete floor. She studied the map with clinical detachment. "Cut off their fuel supplies, seize their communication relay in Sicily, and send a clean strike team to board the corvette at midnight. No survivors, Viktor. Let the sea swallow them, and make sure their financial backers receive a digital calling card—a photograph of the sunken hull delivered directly to their private screens."
Viktor nodded stiffly, a ghost of a grin touching his scarred lips. "Understood, Mrs. Moretti. The message will be delivered."
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As Viktor dismissed himself, Matteo looked at Elena, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "You are getting harsher with the years, my queen."
"I am simply protecting our peace," Elena replied smoothly, turning back to him with a serene smile. "A garden requires pruning, Matteo. And weeds must be pulled by the roots so they never grow back."
