“I’m in the lobby of Vanguard Horizon,” I said, my voice eerily calm, devoid of all warmth. “Sterling Capital still controls its primary debt and equity, correct?”

The silence on the line was absolute. When Victor spoke again, the brotherly warmth was gone. The apex predator had arrived.

“We hold the leash. Tell me who I’m destroying.”

“Dominic is upstairs with a fiancée. His secretary just crushed Sophia’s gift and threatened to throw my child into a lethal blizzard.” I took a breath, the cold rage sharpening my mind.

“I want the truth, Victor. Every hidden account. Every lie. I want the company audited.”

The pause that followed was different. Not surprise. Reluctance.