Venard West didn't believe in luck—only leverage. And right now, he had all of it.The missed call sat on his screen like a desperate SOS signal. The sender? Andre Belmont, a former ally turned envious rival. The last time they spoke, Andre had tried to outmaneuver him in a multi-million-dollar deal. Now, he was calling after midnight? Amateur.Venard exhaled slowly, setting his glass down. He tapped the screen, dialing back.The line picked up instantly. No greeting, just a voice thick with panic."Venard… I need your help."West smirked, leaning back against the cool rooftop concrete. "I figured. I assume this isn't a social call?"Andre hesitated. That hesitation told Venard everything—he was drowning."The feds are circling me," Andre admitted. "Someone inside my circle sold me out. I need protection. A favor."Venard ran a thumb over his watch, a custom diamond piece worth more than most men's entire net worth. "A favor?" He chuckled. "You forget how this works, Andre. I don't do favors. I do business."Andre's breathing was unsteady. "I'll cut you in on the Miami deal—15%."Venard almost laughed. 15%? The insult was worse than the betrayal. He tilted his head, staring at the glowing city beneath him. "You tried to snake me last year, and now you come offering crumbs?""Fine. 30%. Just get these bastards off my back."Venard let the silence stretch, letting Andre sweat. He enjoyed these moments—where the powerful became powerless, where enemies realized they were never really on his level."Here's what's going to happen," Venard finally said, his tone like cold steel. "You're going to wire me 70% of your Miami stake—immediately. Then, you'll give me the name of the rat in your crew. If you lie, I'll know."Andre inhaled sharply. "Seventy—Venard, that's—""—Not a negotiation."More silence. Then a defeated sigh. "Done."Venard smiled. "Smart man. Now, who sold you out?"Andre hesitated. Then, through clenched teeth, he said the name.Venard's eyes darkened. Of course.
He ended the call and took another sip of champagne. Looks like tomorrow just got interesting.