Chapter 96

The darkness of the early morning cloaked the streets in a tense silence, only interrupted by the quiet hum of engines as Dominic’s convoy made its way to the first of several key cartel locations. The assault was ready to begin. Dominic’s forces, armed to the teeth and positioned at strategic points around the city, waited for his signal to strike.

Inside the lead SUV, Dominic sat with Lucas and Mateo, his eyes cold and focused. Maps and communication devices were spread out across the dashboard as they moved through the city, heading toward their final destination: Alex’s headquarters.

Mateo, perched on the edge of his seat, glanced sideways at Dominic. His usual casual smirk was gone, replaced by a more serious expression. He had provided critical information on the cartel’s weak points, and his intel had allowed Dominic to plan a synchronized attack that would tear apart Alex’s defenses.

But Mateo wasn’t a man to be trusted fully—Dominic knew that. His own agenda was buried somewhere beneath the surface, and as valuable as Mateo’s intel had been, Dominic had no illusions about what kind of man he was dealing with. Mateo’s loyalty was always to himself.

Lucas, sitting in the front seat, turned to Dominic. “Our teams are in position. We hit them at the warehouses and the safehouses at the same time. That’ll pull most of Alex’s men away from the headquarters.”

Dominic gave a curt nod. “Good. We need to keep them on the defensive. The more they scatter, the easier it’ll be to finish this.”

Mateo leaned forward, his voice laced with anticipation. “You’ll find Alex dug in like a tick at his estate. He’s ready for a siege, but he’s not expecting us to cut off his supply lines first. When his men are spread thin, he’ll be vulnerable.”

Dominic’s eyes flicked toward Mateo, his expression unreadable. “Let’s hope your information is as good as you say.”

Mateo chuckled, though it lacked any real warmth. “You’ll see. I want Alex dead as much as you do.”

Dominic didn’t respond, his attention already shifting to the coming fight. He trusted his own men, their skills honed over years of dangerous missions. But Mateo’s presence felt like a necessary gamble—one that could turn on him at any moment.

“Lucas,” Dominic said, his voice calm but commanding, “stay sharp. If anything seems off with Mateo or his men, don’t hesitate.”

Lucas nodded grimly, understanding the weight of Dominic’s words. “Understood, boss.”

At exactly 4:00 AM, the first strike began.

Explosions rocked the cartel’s safehouses scattered across the city. Dominic’s men, operating with surgical precision, launched simultaneous attacks on multiple cartel locations, dismantling the infrastructure that supported Alex’s operations. At one of the major warehouses, Dominic’s team moved in swiftly, neutralizing the guards and seizing control before Alex’s men could mount a proper defense.

Within minutes, the cartel’s communications were in disarray. Reports of the attacks filtered back to Alex’s headquarters, spreading confusion and panic among his ranks. His men scrambled to respond, but with every location under siege, it was clear they were outmaneuvered.

Dominic listened intently to the updates crackling over his earpiece as the pieces fell into place. Warehouse secured. Safehouse neutralized. The cartel’s defenses were crumbling, just as he had planned.

“Everything’s going smoothly,” Lucas said, scanning the real-time reports coming in. “But Alex hasn’t moved. He’s waiting.”

Dominic expected as much. Alex wouldn’t flee—not yet. He was a survivor, but he was also prideful. This wasn’t just a battle for control; it was personal. And Dominic knew that Alex wouldn’t go down without trying to take as many of his enemies with him as possible.

“He’s holding out for the counterattack,” Dominic said, his voice steady. “He thinks he can trap us once we move on his headquarters.”

Lucas frowned. “You think he’s planning to make a last stand?”

Dominic nodded. “He’s got no choice. He knows his time is running out.”

Mateo shifted in his seat, the tension in the vehicle thickening as they neared the final strike. “You’re right about that. But Alex is dangerous when he’s cornered. He’ll fight like hell to take you down with him.”

Dominic turned his gaze on Mateo, the distrust simmering just beneath the surface. “And you? What are you getting out of this?”

Mateo’s smirk returned, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I told you, Dominic. I want Alex out of the picture. It’s good for business. You don’t need to worry about me.”

“Business,” Dominic repeated, his voice flat. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Just remember, Mateo, if I even think you’re trying to double-cross me, you’ll regret it.”

Mateo raised his hands in mock surrender. “Relax. I’m on your side. I’ve got no love for Alex.”

Dominic didn’t respond, turning his attention back to the mission at hand. They were close now—only a few miles from Alex’s headquarters, where the final strike would take place.

Inside his fortified estate, Alex stood before a bank of monitors, watching the chaos unfold. His jaw was tight, his hands clenched into fists as he saw each of his cartel’s safehouses and warehouses fall like dominos. He had underestimated Dominic’s reach, his ability to strike so decisively.

“They’re moving on us,” one of his lieutenants said, his voice shaky. “We’ve lost the warehouses. The safehouses are down. He’s coming here next.”

Alex slammed his fist on the table. “I know that!” He turned sharply toward the group of men gathered around him. “He wants me to panic. But I’m ready for him.”

He had fortified his estate for this very moment—thick walls, reinforced gates, a private army of loyal men. He had prepared for a siege, and now Dominic was walking right into it. Alex could see the assault taking shape, could already hear the distant hum of Dominic’s convoy approaching.

But Alex wasn’t going to let this end on Dominic’s terms.

He glanced at the lieutenant. “Prepare the counterattack. Dominic won’t leave this place alive.”

His men rushed to their positions, setting up defenses and preparing for the final battle. Alex watched them move, his mind racing with anticipation. He had come too far, built too much, to let Dominic tear it all down.

This was his stronghold—his fortress—and he wasn’t about to let anyone take it from him. Not Dominic, not the cartel, not anyone.

Dominic’s convoy reached the edge of Alex’s estate, the headlights cutting through the dense fog that had settled over the grounds. His men moved swiftly, positioning themselves for the final assault. The quiet tension that had gripped the city all night hung even heavier here, at the heart of the storm.

Dominic stepped out of the SUV, his boots crunching on the gravel as he surveyed the scene. The estate was a fortress—massive stone walls, reinforced gates, and rows of men armed to the teeth.

“We’re here,” Lucas said, his voice low. “What’s the call?”

Dominic stared at the imposing structure ahead, his mind sharp and clear. Alex was waiting for him, no doubt ready to unleash whatever defenses he had left. But Dominic had come prepared. There was no turning back now.

“We go in,” Dominic said, his voice like steel. “And we finish this.”

With a final nod, the order was given. The last phase of the assault had begun.

The endgame was here.