CHECKMATE IN MOTION.

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Volume 3, Chapter 95 – Checkmate in Motion

Vincent sat in his office, staring at the skyline, fingers wrapped around a glass of whiskey he hadn't touched.

The silence was suffocating.

Zane hadn't called. Hadn't texted him since he left in the morning.Hadn't chased him.

And that should've been a relief.

But it wasn't.

Because Vincent had felt Zane's frustration last night, had seen the sharp edge of hurt beneath it.

And that?

That was dangerous.

A knock at the door.

Vincent exhaled, composing himself before speaking. "Enter."

The door opened, and Dominic stepped in.

Vincent's jaw tensed. "You don't have an appointment."

Dominic smirked, unbothered. "You think I need one?"

Vincent stayed silent.

Dominic took his time, crossing the room and settling into the chair across from Vincent's desk. He studied him, too relaxed. Too knowing.

Then, softly—

"You're losing, Vincent."

Vincent's fingers tightened around his glass. "Funny. I don't remember playing your game."

Dominic chuckled. "Oh, but you are." He leaned forward. "And you're failing."

Vincent's chest ached with the weight of unspoken things. He forced himself to stay still. "Get to the point, Dominic."

Dominic smirked. "Damien made his move."

Vincent's pulse slowed. "What move?"

Dominic's smirk widened. "A very personal one."

Vincent's blood ran cold.

Dominic leaned back. "You should check your messages, love."

Vincent didn't hesitate. He grabbed his phone. Unlocked it.

And his stomach dropped.

Because there, staring back at him, was a picture—

Zane.

With Nathan.

Sitting across from each other in a private restaurant.

A conversation happening. A deal being made.

Vincent's heart stopped.

Dominic exhaled, standing. "You were never going to keep him, Vincent."

He turned for the door, pausing only once—just to twist the knife.

"And you were never meant to win."

Then he was gone.

Leaving Vincent alone—

With the undeniable truth.

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Elsewhere – Nathan Harrington & Zane Harrington

Zane leaned back in his chair, watching Nathan with a casual smirk.

"So," he mused, twirling his whiskey. "What exactly do you think you can offer me?"

Nathan smirked. "A future."

Zane arched a brow. "Big words."

Nathan tilted his head. "Bigger than Vincent can promise you."

Zane's smirk froze.

And Nathan saw it.

Saw the flicker of doubt.

Saw the crack in Zane's unwavering belief in Vincent.

And that?

That was all he needed.

Nathan leaned forward, voice dropping lower—deadly.

"Vincent isn't who you think he is."

Zane's fingers tightened around his glass.

And Nathan?

Nathan just smiled.

Because the seed had been planted.

And now?

Now it was only a matter of time.

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