Chapter 11

A cold morning on the outskirts of the city felt gloomier than usual. A thin mist blanketed the deserted streets, with only a few passing vehicles breaking the silence, as if signaling an impending storm. Amelia, Dominic, and Marco sat inside the small clinic, planning their final move against Victor and his network. 

In the middle of the room, a city map was spread out on the table, marked with several key locations. Rebecca, whom they had just contacted, had agreed to meet at a confirmed safe location. She was the only person who could bring Victor down legally with the evidence they had gathered. However, Amelia knew that the legal route alone would not be enough to ensure his complete downfall. 

"Rebecca is on her way," Marco said after reading a message on his phone. "But she says someone has been following her since yesterday. We need to move faster." 

Dominic, still pale from blood loss, leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze fixed as he considered their next move. "Then we need to make sure she gets here safely. Marco, you and your men should escort her." 

Marco nodded without hesitation. "I'll take care of it." 

Amelia looked at Dominic, concern evident in her eyes. "And you? You're not even fully recovered." 

Dominic gave a faint smile, though the pain was still visible on his face. "I can't just sit around while Victor gets closer. I have another plan to take him down." 

Dominic knew they couldn't face Victor head-on, especially in his weakened state. Victor's power wasn't just in his wealth and vast criminal network—it was the fear he instilled in everyone who dared to oppose him. The only way to defeat him was to make him lose control and the trust of his own people. 

"I'm going to contact one of his trusted men, Dante," Dominic said while typing on his phone. "He's been dissatisfied with Victor's leadership for a long time, but he hasn't had the courage to betray him. Victor has threatened to kill the families of anyone who turns against him. We just need to give Dante a little push and guarantee his safety. Then, convincing him to join us won't be that difficult." 

Amelia frowned. "Are you sure we can trust him? What if he betrays us instead?" 

Dominic shrugged. "Dante is an opportunist. If he sees that Victor is going to fall, he'll side with us. It's that simple, Amelia." 

A moment later, Dominic received a reply on his phone. 

"I'll meet you. But if this is a trap, you won't live past tonight." 

Dominic smirked as he read the message. "He's interested in our plan." 

Amelia bit her lower lip, hesitating. She wasn't sure if Dominic was making the right call. But she knew that in a war like this, they had to take risks. 

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Marco and his team had successfully picked up Rebecca from her hideout. However, their journey back to safety did not go smoothly. 

"A black car is following us," Marco's tense voice came through the phone as Amelia answered his call. 

She immediately stood up. "How many?" 

"At least two cars. I'm not sure if they're just tracking us or if they're planning to attack." 

Amelia glanced at Dominic with concern. He seemed to understand the situation right away. "We can't take any chances. We need to lose them first." 

Amelia quickly tried to think, tapping her fingers against her temple, searching for an alternative. "Take Rebecca to the old warehouse in the eastern district. I'll set up an ambush there. Stay alert and update me on any changes." 

Marco didn't ask any further questions. "Understood," he said before hanging up. 

Amelia immediately contacted several of her allies—those still loyal to Dominic. If they could lure Victor's pursuers into a trap, they would have the chance to interrogate them and uncover Victor's next move. 

A few minutes later, Amelia received another message from Marco. "They took the bait. We'll arrive at the warehouse in ten minutes." 

Amelia looked at Dominic with newfound determination. "Let's finish this." 

The old warehouse stood silent on the outskirts of the city, its structure rusting in several places after years of abandonment. But tonight, it would become a small battlefield. 

As the two black cars that had been following Rebecca came to a stop in front of the warehouse, Marco and his men were already in position. The moment the armed men stepped out of their vehicles, floodlights suddenly flashed on, blinding them. 

"Drop your weapons or die where you stand!" Marco ordered as he emerged from hiding. 

Victor's men immediately panicked. Some reached for their guns, but before they could pull the trigger, warning shots were fired into the air, forcing them to reconsider. 

Dominic stepped out from the shadows, a pistol in his hand. Though he was still unsteady due to his injuries, his expertise with firearms was undeniable. To him, the pain he felt was nothing compared to the importance of this moment. 

"You work for a man who doesn't care whether you live or die," he said coldly. "Victor sent you here without a backup plan, didn't he? To him, you're just disposable pawns. If you die, he won't even flinch—he'll simply replace you." 

One of the men hesitated, his hands trembling slightly at Dominic's words. 

Dominic pressed on. "I'm offering you something better. Give us any information you have on Victor's next move. If you talk now, you'll walk away from this alive. And I'll personally guarantee your safety." 

The trembling man was the first to break. "Victor ... he's planning a massive deal. Once it's done, he's leaving the city. He doesn't care if we die here!"