Chapter 3 - The Montreal Nexus
The strategy required an aggressive counter-strike before Julian Vance could coordinate a physical move against the estate. Ryker decided to deploy a dual-layered offensive: Clara would manipulate the market to squeeze Julian’s short positions, while Ryker and Marco flew directly to Montreal to dismantle the operational hub of Aero-Vanguard.
"Owen, Lily, look at me," Ryker said the next morning, kneeling in front of the twins in the grand foyer. Owen was holding his soccer ball under his arm, his dark eyes curious, while Lily held her sketchbook tightly. "Marco and I have to take a short business trip to Canada. Uncle Silvano and his team are going to stay here at the house with you. The gates stay locked, and no one leaves the perimeter until I get back. Understood?"
"Is it about the logistics accounts, Dad?" Owen asked, his voice showing the first hints of a young man’s protective instinct.
"It's just standard corporate maintenance, son," Ryker lied smoothly, offering a confident smile that masked the storm brewing inside him. "Keep your team practicing hard. I expect a full report on your soccer tournament when I return."
He kissed both of their foreheads, his gaze lingering on Lily’s clear blue eyes for a second longer before he stood up, slinging a dark duffel bag over his shoulder.
The flight to Montreal was silent, the private Steel corporate jet cutting through the gray storm clouds above Lake Huron. Marco sat across from Ryker, cleaning the components of a compact tactical weapon with methodical precision.
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"Julian’s hub is located in the old industrial district near the Lachine Canal," Marco reported, snapping a magazine into place with a definitive click. "A converted textile factory with private security. He thinks he’s safe because he’s on Canadian soil."
"There is no safe ground for a man who threatens my children," Ryker replied, his voice dropping the temperature in the cabin to absolute zero.
