Saintess's Worthless Husband Turned Dragon Commander novel Chapter 253

CHAPTER 176 PART 3

“I’m putting you in a simple position,” Marcus corrected. “Choose survival over pride. Recognize that Maurice brought this on himself. And when he dies, you publicly acknowledge it was his own arrogance that killed him, not some coordinated attack on Willson Pavilion. That way, we both walk away intact.”

“And if I can’t do that?” Amadeus asked. “If Pavilion politics require me to respond?”

“Then we’ll find out whether Willson Pavilion can survive losing its Pavilion Master along with its Far East Branch Manager,” Marcus said calmly. “But I really hope it doesn’t come to that. I’ve got better things to do than wage war on an entire organization.”

The line went quiet again. Marcus could hear what sounded like Amadeus dismissing someone-probably the barber, given the earlier scissor sounds.

“I need time,” Amadeus said finally. “Time to think. Time to prepare damage control. Time to figure out how to spin this so the Pavilion doesn’t look weak.”

“You have until Maurice lands in Five-River Province,” Marcus replied. “After that, events will unfold however they unfold.”

“Mr. Steel-Marcus-please understand, I’m not your enemy. I don’t want this conflict any more than you do. But if you kill Maurice, there will be disciples who demand retaliation. Elders who see it as a test of Pavilion authority. I can’t control all of them.”

“You’re the Pavilion Master,” Marcus observed. “If you can’t control your own organization, what good is your title?”

The words were harsh but honest. Amadeus’s sharp intake of breath suggested they’d struck home.

“I’ll do what I can,” Amadeus said finally. “But I’m making no promises. And Marcus-if this goes wrong, if you’re overestimating your capabilities-don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Noted,” Marcus replied. “Anything else?”

“Yes. One question.” Amadeus paused. “Why did you really call me? You could have just killed Maurice and dealt with the fallout later. Why give me advance notice?”

Marcus considered the question. “Because I wanted you to understand something. When Maurice dies, it’s not because I’m trying to destroy Willson Pavilion. It’s because he chose violence and lost. If you accept that—if you can make your people accept that-then this ends cleanly. If not, then what comes next is on you.”

“Responsibility,” Amadeus said thoughtfully. “You’re putting the responsibility for what happens on me.”

“Yes.”

“That’s…. actually quite clever,” Amadeus admitted. “Manipulative, but clever. You’re boxing me into accepting Maurice’s death by making refusal seem like choosing war.”

“I prefer to think of it as giving you an easy out,” Marcus said. “Take it or don’t. Your choice.”

The call ended.

Marcus pocketed his phone and walked back into the main hotel area where Miguel was coordinating cleanup and security.

“Boss?” Miguel looked up. “Did you reach him?”

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“I did,” Marcus confirmed. “Amadeus Fairbanks is aware of the situation. He’s not happy, but he’s not stupid either.”

“And Maurice Springs?”

“Is still coming,” Marcus said with absolute certainty. “Probably within the next few hours. Pride and rage are stronger than political wisdom, especially when family is involved.”

Miguel nodded slowly. “I’ll have people monitoring the airport. The moment his private jet lands, we’ll know.”

“Good,” Marcus said. “And Miguel-make sure your security team understands what’s about to happen. Maurice Springs is going to arrive with forces. Professional killers, probably. Enhanced fighters, possibly. This won’t be like dealing with Quantez and his arrogant friends. This will be actual combat.”

“We’ll be ready,” Miguel promised.

Marcus smiled-calm and predatory. “So will I.”

He walked toward the window, looking out at Five-River Province’s nighttime skyline. Somewhere out there, Maurice Springs was boarding a private jet, gathering forces, preparing for what he believed would be swift and brutal revenge.

The branch manager thought he was flying toward justice.

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