Chapter : 12
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Title: Enemies in the Shadows
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The tension in Leo's life was nearing its breaking point. Since the docks incident, his business empire had faced relentless challenges from competitors and traitors alike. Every day brought new betrayals, attacks on his shipments, or attempts to undermine his authority.
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Morning at the Office
Leo sat at the head of the conference table, his executives exchanging nervous glances. The atmosphere was thick with unease. Marco stood to the side, flipping through a stack of reports.
"Another shipment delayed," Marco announced. "This time, our wine imports were intercepted. The Blackfang gang isn't acting alone anymore—someone's backing them with money and resources."
Leo's jaw tightened. He leaned forward, his gaze cutting through the room like a blade. "I want names. I want to know who's helping them, where their funding is coming from, and how they're targeting us."
One of the executives hesitated before speaking. "There's also an issue with the board members, sir. Some are questioning your leadership, claiming that recent losses have weakened your position."
The room went silent.
Leo's voice was ice. "Anyone who doubts me is welcome to leave—permanently."
No one dared respond.
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Afternoon at the Warehouse
Later, Leo made his way to one of his warehouses to oversee security improvements. His men had been on edge after the recent ambushes, and he needed to show them he was still in control.
As he inspected the facility, a commotion erupted outside. Shouts echoed through the air, followed by the unmistakable sound of gunfire.
"Boss, it's an ambush!" one of his men yelled, running toward him.
Leo wasted no time. Drawing his weapon, he barked orders. "Secure the entrances! Don't let anyone escape alive!"
The attackers were mercenaries, hired to sabotage his operations. They were skilled, but they hadn't accounted for Leo's ruthlessness.
Leo moved through the chaos like a predator, his every move calculated. He fired with deadly precision, taking down enemies while his men rallied around him. The fight was brutal, but in the end, Leo's side prevailed.
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A Mysterious Message
As the last attacker fell, Marco approached Leo, holding a blood-stained envelope.
"This was on one of them," Marco said, handing it over.
Leo opened it, his eyes narrowing as he read the message inside:
"This is just the beginning. Surrender your empire now, or watch it crumble piece by piece."
The note wasn't signed, but Leo had a sinking feeling about who was behind it.
"Kai," he muttered under his breath.
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Evening at Leo's Mansion
Back at his mansion, Leo paced in his study, Nero perched nearby. The parrot watched him intently, occasionally squawking as if sensing his frustration.
Leo's mind raced. Could Kai truly be behind these attacks? The timing was suspicious, and the precision of the ambushes suggested someone with inside knowledge of his operations.
He clenched his fists, the thought of betrayal igniting a fire within him.
But another part of him—the part that had started to feel drawn to Kai—refused to believe it. Kai didn't seem capable of such deception.
Did he?
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A New Threat Emerges
Leo's thoughts were interrupted by Marco bursting into the room.
"Boss, we've got a problem," Marco said, out of breath. "One of our safehouses was hit tonight. They knew exactly where to find it—someone's feeding them information."
Leo's eyes darkened. "Find the rat. And when you do, make an example out of them."
Marco nodded and left, leaving Leo alone with his thoughts.
As the night stretched on, Leo couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. The shadows outside his window seemed darker, and every creak of the floorboards made him reach for his gun.
He wasn't just fighting enemies outside his empire—there were enemies within.
And if Kai was truly involved, Leo swore he'd uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
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