Chapter 18 - A Jeweler's Poison
The absolute silence in the penthouse was suffocating, broken only by the sound of rain violently lashing against the floor-to-ceiling windows.
I stepped slowly out from behind Alessandro, refusing to let my husband die for my father’s unforgivable sins.
I walked toward the long oak table, pulled the tattered leather ledger from my bag, and placed it directly in front of the Tsar.
The Russian boss smiled greedily, immediately opening the ancient book to inspect the delicate, handwritten codes inside.
He ordered his guards to bring two glasses of fine Russian vodka to celebrate the successful expansion of his empire.
A guard quickly poured the clear liquid into expensive crystal tumblers, sliding one across the polished wood toward me.
The Tsar raised his glass, offering a mocking toast to the incredibly useful jeweler's daughter.
I picked up the crystal glass, my hands surprisingly steady despite the chaotic storm raging inside my mind.
Before I took a sip, I told the Tsar that my father had taught me how to identify completely flawless diamonds.
I explained that a true jeweler uses a highly specialized, odorless chemical solvent to test the authenticity of raw stones.
I reached into my pocket, subtly withdrawing a tiny glass vial I had smuggled out of my father’s Chicago workshop.
I casually mentioned that the chemical was so highly corrosive it could dissolve human tissue in a matter of minutes.
The Tsar frowned, completely confused as to why I was discussing gemology during a hostage negotiation.
I smiled coldly and informed him that I had coated the leather binding of the ledger with that exact chemical before walking into the room.
The Tsar looked down in sheer, absolute horror at his hands, which were suddenly covered in a painful, aggressive red rash.
The highly toxic solvent was already seeping rapidly through his skin, immediately entering his bloodstream.
He dropped the ledger with a scream, clutching his burning throat as his airway began to rapidly and violently swell shut.
His guards froze in complete shock, unable to comprehend how their invincible leader had just been lethally poisoned.
I did not hesitate for a single second, immediately throwing my glass of vodka directly into the nearest guard's eyes.
Alessandro used the distraction to grab a heavy silver serving tray, smashing it brutally against the skull of the second guard.
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The penthouse erupted into absolute, terrifying chaos as the Tsar collapsed to the floor, gasping desperately for air.
I pulled the sharp steel awl from my pocket, preparing to fight my way out of the most secure building in London.
