Page 108 of Scarlet Angel

“North Korea?”

He chuckles.

“Iran?”

“Please. No, I think authoritarian governments may benefit initially from a world adjustment. NATO disbanded. A weak United States government and Western Europe give authoritarian governments free rein for expansion. But I don’t think that’s the reason for the syndicate’s strategic shift.”

“All right. Get on with it. What’s your theory?”

“I believe a small number with outsized influence are maneuvering the chessboard, and many of our members are too busy to notice.”

“Explain that.”

“Well, for one, the last several weeks, all of our communications have been about you. By the way, you have a few friends.”

“Good to know.”

“Geoff Mansueto from the US, Pearson from Canada, and Droga from Ireland. They all refused to approve the initiative to remove you from the syndicate.”

“And you?”

“I missed the roll call.”

“Why?”

“Because they didn’t have the votes to excommunicate you, and I preferred to keep my stance private.” He rests an arm on the mantle. “Xi has requested a meeting.”

Right. We all understand Xi will always take priority if Jiang wishes to continue breathing.

“Other than kicking me to the curb, what are they planning?”

“That’s the thing. If they were serious about assassinating you, you’d be gone. Someone is looking to get us focused on a noncompliant member while they pull off a plan that would never be met with approval.”

“Because an attack like you’re describing would kill the markets.”

“Precisely. But I believe whoever is behind this has a long-term strategy.”

“Does your theory include who these someones are?”

“The Moores. Undoubtedly. Halston led the charge against you. He’s constantly messaging. Putting everything in writing. It’s unwise. That’s another reason I suspect him. He’s smarter than that. It’s part of his plan.”

Bloody bastard.

“Dorian?”

“Absent.”

Doesn’t mean he doesn’t support his father’s machinations.

“What about Amir?”

“Amir Nooyi voted to keep you in, but he also voted against influencing the investigation into Titan Shipping. He wants it to proceed.”

“They’re competitors. He’s hoping to swoop in and buy the company at a discounted rate.”

“Agree. Amir’s allegiance is transparent. His goals are short-term. That’s why I don’t believe he’s the culprit.”

After what he did with my sister, he’s a rat bastard. His vote is immaterial.

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