Chapter 19: The Gala of Ruin
The Casino de Monte-Carlo was a playground for the world's most dangerous billionaires. The air smelled of expensive cigars, French perfume, and raw greed.
Khloe stepped out of the black Maybach wearing a breathtaking, floor-length gold gown that shimmered under the casino lights. She looked like royalty. She looked untouchable.
Beside her, posing as her date, was a man named Julian. On paper, he was a high-end art dealer. In reality, he was a master thief Uncle Richard had procured for three million dollars in untraceable crypto.
"He’s inside," Elias’s voice buzzed through the microscopic earpiece hidden in Khloe’s ear. "Alexander is playing baccarat at the high-roller tables. Security is tight. Eight armed guards."
"Copy that," Khloe murmured, linking her arm through Julian’s. "Showtime."
They moved through the opulent casino floor, drawing stares and whispers. Khloe made a beeline for the VIP section. She spotted Alexander immediately. He sat at the baccarat table, surrounded by beautiful women and dangerous-looking men, a mountain of chips in front of him.
And there, gleaming on his right index finger, was a heavy gold ring set with a massive, teardrop emerald.
Khloe grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing tray and walked confidently up to the table.
"Alexander," Khloe said, her voice cutting through the chatter.
Alexander looked up, genuine surprise flashing across his face before he masked it with a cruel smile. "Khloe. I didn't expect you to flee the country so soon. Have you come to surrender the company?"
"I’ve come to raise the stakes," Khloe said, setting her champagne glass down. "You want Thorne Industries? Let’s play for it."
The table went silent. Alexander chuckled, standing up. "You want to play baccarat for a multi-billion dollar empire? You are more foolish than Marcus."
"Not baccarat," Khloe said smoothly, stepping closer. "A private wager. If you can legally prove your father’s will is authentic by Friday, I will step down without a fight. I will hand you the keys to the kingdom."
Alexander’s eyes narrowed. "And if I can't?"
"Then you dissolve Aegis Capital, and you never set foot in America again," Khloe challenged.
Alexander stared at her, trying to find the trap. As he studied her face, Julian seamlessly brushed past Alexander’s right side, pretending to stumble slightly against the table.
"Pardon me, monsieur," Julian apologized smoothly in French, steadying himself on the edge of the table.
Alexander waved him off dismissively, his eyes locked on Khloe. "You’re stalling, Khloe. You have nothing."
"We'll see," Khloe smiled. She picked up her champagne glass and took a sip. "Enjoy your evening, Alexander. It might be your last as a free man."
Khloe turned and walked away, her heart pounding furiously against her ribs. She didn't look back until she reached the private terrace outside.
Julian stepped out of the shadows, lighting a cigarette. He reached into his tuxedo pocket and tossed a heavy gold ring into Khloe’s waiting palm.
"He won't notice it's gone until he goes to cash out," Julian said, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Pleasure doing business with you, Ms. Thorne."
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Khloe looked down at the emerald ring. The microchip was inside. She had the key.
"Elias," Khloe spoke into her earpiece, a fierce, triumphant grin spreading across her face. "I have the ledger. Fire up the jet. We are going to burn this bastard to the ground."
