Page 103 of Ruined By Blood
The door swings open to reveal Sterling's office. Dark mahogany panels the walls, expensive artwork hangs in strategic positions, and a massive desk dominates the center of the room. Everything screams power and money.
Henry Sterling sits behind his desk, not bothering to stand as we enter. His silver-streaked hair is perfectly styled, his suit impeccable.
"Well, well," Sterling says, a cold smile spreading across his face. "The prodigal wife returns." His gaze shifts between us, something calculated and cruel in his eyes. "And her knight in shining armor."
I guide Charlotte to one of the chairs opposite his desk. She sits with practiced grace, her spine straight, chin lifted. I remain standing beside her.
"Henry," Charlotte acknowledges, her voice soft but steady.
Sterling ignores her, focusing entirely on me. "I have to say, Feretti, I'm surprised. I expected more intelligence from someone of your reputation." He leans back in his leather chair, steepling his fingers. "What exactly was going through your mind when you decided to walk into my house? Alone?" His smile widens. "One word from me, and my men put a bullet through your skull. So tell me, what's the real plan here?"
I meet his gaze without flinching. "You assume I came unprepared."
"Oh?" Sterling raises an eyebrow. "Enlighten me."
I rest my hand on Charlotte's shoulder. "Your wife is wearing a device beneath her clothing. Charlotte, show him."
Charlotte slowly unbuttons the top of her blouse, revealing a small black box strapped to her chest. A red light blinks steadily on its surface. She removes a small remote from her pocket, holding it up for Sterling to see.
"One press of this button," I say calmly, "and the explosive detonates. Charlotte dies, I die, and if we're lucky, you die too." I tilt my head. "So I wonder, who's the stupid one here?"
Sterling's face hardens, his jaw clenching as he processes this information. His eyes dart to the device, then back to my face, searching for deception.
"You're bluffing," he says, but uncertainty edges his voice.
"Am I?" I shrug. "Care to find out?"
A muscle twitches in Sterling's jaw. "Why didn't my men search her?"
"How do I fucking know?" I ask simply. "Maybe they still have some twisted sense of respect for your wife. They wouldn't dare put their hands on Charlotte Sterling." I lean forward slightly. "That moral line is one you crossed long ago, but your employees still maintain it."
Sterling's eyes narrow, his gaze moving between us. The calculation behind his eyes is almost visible—weighing options, considering angles, looking for weakness.
"So," I continue, "shall we discuss the terms of our exchange? Or would you prefer to test whether I'm willing to die today?"
CHAPTER 34
Istand in Sterling's office, taking in every detail. Four armed guards remain positioned at each corner of the room, their hands hovering near holstered weapons.
Sterling's eyes keep darting between Charlotte and me, his composure cracking just enough to show the fear beneath. The explosive device strapped to Charlotte's chest—clever work from Daniel that looks real enough to fool anyone not trained in demolitions—continues its steady red blinking.
"What is it you want?" Sterling finally asks, his voice tight.
I lean forward slightly, enjoying how heflinches. "First, I need to understand some things about these past years. About you."
"I don't have time for games, Feretti."
"This isn't a game." My voice drops to that quiet register that makes even my own men nervous. "It's a story. About a man who used his family as nothing but tools to build his fortune."
The guard nearest the window shifts his weight. Sterling waves a hand dismissively. "And why would I listen to your stories?"
"Because Charlotte's finger is on that detonator, and she's been dreaming about pressing it for years."
Charlotte's eyes never leave Sterling's face, her hatred palpable in the room.
I continue, voice conversational now. "Six months ago, there was a man named Vargas. Similar to you in many ways. Wealthy, connected, thought himself untouchable." I pace a few steps, noting how the guards track my movement. "Vargas had a sister. Beautiful woman. Smart too. But Vargas saw her as nothing but an asset."
Sterling's jaw tightens.
