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I release his throat and stand.

“We’re done here.”

I’m halfway to the warehouse door, Afon and my men forming a protective triangle around me, when my phone rings.

The ringtone stops me cold.

It’s the one assigned to Harrison Miles, my attorney. The man doesn’t call to chat or deliver good news. He calls only when something has gone catastrophically, irreversibly wrong.

I pull the phone from my pocket and answer in a monotone. “What.”

“Mr. Lazarev…” He gulps. I don’t like the sound of that one bit. “The Lazarev Global board has called an emergency session. Tomorrow morning, nine o’clock.”

“On what grounds?”

He hesitates again, which I like even less. “Sir… Mr. Kir has demanded a vote of no confidence in your leadership. He’s trying to oust you.”

I step out into the night and lean against the wall.

Fucking hell… my son has finally made his move.

I should have seen it coming. He’s been building toward something, and I was too distracted to notice.

Well, here come the consequences.

“Get the car,” I tell Afon. “And call everyone. If my son wants war, I’ll give him one he’ll never forget.”

52

LUKAS

LAZAREV GLOBAL

Board of Directors Emergency Session

Date: 15 December 2025

Motion: Vote of No Confidence in Chairman L. Lazarev

Proposed by:K. Lazarev (CEO)

The elevator doors open at 8:45 A.M., and I step out onto the executive floor.

Afon falls into step beside me. I’m grateful he’s here. He’s a silent reminder that loyalty still exists in this world, even when blood betrays you.

Behind us, the steel doors slide shut with a whisper.

The fortieth floor is quieter than usual. Secretaries pretend to work and junior executives suddenly find their shoes fascinating. News travels fast in corporate America—faster still when the CEO’s son is attempting a coup.

So be it. Let them stare.

I walk the corridor I’ve walked ten thousand times before, past the conference rooms where I’ve brokered deals worth billions and the portraits of board members who owe their positions to my patronage.

In the polished steel of a display case, I catch my reflection. Hair in place, suit immaculate, silver rings bright.

I look like a man in complete control.

But that’s a fucking lie.