Chapter 92: The First Strike

The plan was set. Now, it was time to make the first move.

Isabella stood in the dimly lit room, staring at the map pinned to the wall. Adrian Mercer controlled everything from the shadows—businesses, law enforcement, political figures. If they wanted to take him down, they couldn't just attack one piece.

They had to dismantle everything.

The Weak Link

Damian tapped a specific building on the map. "This is where we start—Mercer's offshore accounts are funneled through a shell company under his fiancée's name."

Claire raised a brow. "Fiancée? Didn't take Mercer for the sentimental type."

"He's not." Alexander leaned against the desk. "It's an arrangement. She's a socialite, keeps up appearances for him."

Isabella narrowed her eyes. That meant leverage.

"If she's the key to his finances," she said, "then she's our way in."

Ethan grinned. "So, what's the plan? Blackmail? Kidnapping? Seduction?"

Claire smacked his arm. "Try strategy, idiot."

Isabella smirked. They didn't need to play dirty—just smart.

A Game of Control

"Her name is Elise Laurent," Damian continued. "She's been with Mercer for two years, but there's no actual marriage license. More importantly—" he pulled up a tablet and turned it toward them—"she's been making secret withdrawals from his accounts."

Alexander's eyes darkened. "She's stealing from him."

Bingo.

Isabella's lips curled. "Which means she's already looking for a way out."

That was their way in.

If Elise wanted to escape Mercer, they just had to give her a reason to trust them first.

Setting the Trap

Alexander crossed his arms. "Getting to her won't be easy. Mercer keeps his assets locked down."

"Good thing we specialize in the impossible," Isabella said.

Ethan grinned. "So, what's the move?"

She glanced at the map one last time before turning to the team.

"We get Elise alone," she said. "And we make her an offer she can't refuse."

The first strike had begun.