Saintess's Worthless Husband Turned Dragon Commander novel Chapter 243

CHAPTER 172 PART 2

Inside Miguel Abbott’s armored SUV, the tension finally broke. The vehicle pulled away from the Domenico Building, heading toward Pearl on the Water through Five-River Province’s nighttime streets.

“That,” Miguel said with genuine admiration, “was masterful. The photographs destroying the Lancaster credibility. The fake explosives creating chaos. And that final challenge-” he laughed, “–you basically dared them to attack you while making it clear they’d lose. Brilliant.”

Marcus allowed himself a small smile. “The explosives were a nice touch. How long did it take to prepare?”

“Three hours,” Miguel admitted. “Fake vests, realistic wiring, convincing switches. My people work fast when properly motivated.” He paused. “Though I have to admit, wearing them myself-knowing they were fake but having to act like they weren’t-that was more stressful than I expected.”

“That’s what made it work,” Marcus observed. “Everyone in that room understood you were willing to die for your position. That level of commitment can’t be faked convincingly unless you actually commit to it.”

“So what happens now?” Miguel asked. “The alliance is fractured. The Lancaster Family is fighting with the Potter Family. But eventually, they’ll regroup. Figure out new strategies. Come at us from different angles.”

“Let them,” Marcus said calmly. “We watch. We wait. We let them exhaust themselves fighting each other while we prepare for whatever comes next.”

The SUV turned into the old city district-a ghost town of abandoned red brick buildings that dated back to Five- River Province’s industrial boom decades earlier. The factories had closed, the workers had moved away, and now the area sat empty and crumbling, waiting for redevelopment that never came.

But it was the fastest route from the Domenico Building to Pearl on the Water, and Miguel’s driver knew these

streets well.

Suddenly, the vehicle’s brakes screamed. Tires screeched against asphalt as the driver fought for control.

They stopped inches from a massive concrete pillar that had somehow collapsed directly across the road.

“What the hell?” Miguel breathed, staring at the obstruction.

The pillar was enormous-easily ten feet in diameter, part of the structural support for an overpass that had been condemned years ago. But it hadn’t been condemned for collapse-the engineering reports said it was stable for decades.

And now, at this exact moment, on this exact route, it had fallen directly in their path.

“This wasn’t an accident,” Marcus said quietly, his dragon senses already prickling with warning.

“Sir,” the lead bodyguard-a veteran named Carter-spoke from the front passenger seat. “I’m going to check the obstruction. Protocol says-”

“I know protocol,” Miguel interrupted. “Do it. But be careful.””

Carter exited with two other bodyguards, their weapons drawn but held low. They approached the fallen pillar cautiously, scanning the surrounding abandoned buildings for threats.

The dart came without sound-just a whisper of displaced air.

Carter’s head snapped back. He staggered, hand reaching for his forehead where something thin and dark protruded. Then he collapsed, dead before he hit the ground.

1:2

“Ambush!” one of the remaining bodyguards shouted. “Everyone down! Protect Mr. Abbott!”

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