Chapter 27 - The Syndicate's Move
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The success of The Vault enraged Julian Thorne more than any financial loss ever could. He paced the length of his ultra-modern, glass-walled office at Vanguard Tower, glaring down at the city streets. The St. Moritz stood in the distance, an elegant, historic jewel that defied his corporate dominance.
His chief operating officer, Richard, stood nervously by the door holding a digital tablet.
"Mr. Thorne, our PR team is scrambling," Richard said hesitantly. "The European critics are canceling their stays at Vanguard to move to the St. Moritz. Our luxury metric scores dropped three points overnight."
"I do not care about the metrics, Richard! I care about destroying that archaic relic," Julian snapped, turning away from the window. "Sienna Vance thinks a few dusty bottles of wine and a jazz pianist make her untouchable. I want to hit her where it actually hurts."
"What do you suggest, sir?"
"The St. Moritz relies on independent suppliers for their premium goods," Julian stated, his eyes narrowing with a predatory gleam. "I want Vanguard to buy out their primary linen supplier and their top-tier seafood distributor. Offer them triple their current contracts on the condition of an exclusivity clause."
Richard swallowed hard, tapping nervously on his tablet.
"Sir, that will cost us millions in above-market premiums just to spite a single independent hotel."
"Do it, Richard," Julian commanded, his voice cold and absolute. "Cut off her supply chains. Let’s see how romantic and historical her hotel feels when she is serving frozen fish on scratchy, low-thread-count bedsheets."
"Yes, Mr. Thorne. I will draft the acquisition offers immediately."
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Julian walked back to the window, placing his hands flat against the cold glass. He was used to winning by crushing his opponents through sheer financial gravity. He had underestimated Sienna once, assuming she was just a sentimental heiress. He would not make that mistake again.
"You want a war of attrition, Sienna?" Julian whispered to himself. "Let's see how long your soul can survive without supplies."
