The Sinclair Protocol – My Delivery Girl is a Private Military Queen

By Lea von Löwenstein

Chapter 17: Unraveled Shadows

Part 1: Power Games

The Dorchester – Alain Ducasse Restaurant

“Mr. Richardson,” Liv’s burning ice remained carefully hidden behind intern eagerness as she approached his private table. “Thank you for meeting on such short notice.”

“Rather unusual,” his voice carried pure silk as he assessed her discount suit. “Blackwood Securities sending an… intern to handle my portfolio.”

“Morris insisted on personal attention,” her tone held deliberate humility while cataloging his tells. The slight tension in his shoulders, the carefully masked interest – perfect indicators of someone playing their own game.

“Though perhaps,” Richardson’s features showed dangerous calculation, “we should discuss exactly why they sent their lowest-ranking employee to secure a fifty-million-pound contract.”

Richardson’s features shifted as he glanced at his phone, his smile turning purely predatory. “Rather interesting suggestion from Morris. Though perhaps we should continue this discussion somewhere more… private.”

“The contract details require thorough review,” Liv’s burning ice remained perfectly masked as she noted his sudden change in demeanor.

“My suite upstairs,” his voice carried dangerous intent. “Unless an eager intern finds that… inappropriate.”

“Sir,” Liv’s tone held carefully crafted uncertainty. “The restaurant provides perfect privacy for business discussions.”

“Morris was rather specific about your cooperation,” Richardson’s words dripped with silk-wrapped threat. “Though perhaps we should discuss exactly how thoroughly he suggested you… secure this contract.”

“Professional parameters remain non-negotiable,” Liv’s response carried deliberate firmness, watching his mask slip further with each exchange.

“Perhaps I’ve been too… forward,” Richardson’s voice shifted to pure silk as he signaled the sommelier. “Allow me to apologize with a proper drink.”

Liv’s burning ice remained carefully masked as she watched his tactical adjustment. “Sir, I should focus on the contract details.”

“One glass of Krug,” his tone carried practiced charm. “Rather fitting celebration for what promises to be a fascinating partnership.”

“Most kind,” Liv’s words held deliberate professionalism. “Though perhaps we should discuss the actual terms while we wait.”

“Business can wait,” Richardson’s features showed calculated warmth as the champagne arrived. “I prefer knowing my financial advisors personally. Even temporary ones.”

“The contract deadline remains rather specific,” Liv’s response carried careful precision.

“Rather simple choice,” Richardson’s voice carried silk-wrapped challenge. “The contract… or your position at Blackwood Securities.”

“Professional parameters remain clear,” Liv’s burning ice smile stayed perfectly controlled. “Though perhaps we should focus on the actual terms.”

“Fascinating dedication,” his tone held dangerous amusement as he topped off her untouched champagne. “Though watching you maintain this careful distance proves rather… telling.”

“The contract details require thorough review,” Liv’s words carried lethal precision. “Unless you’d prefer discussing your actual investment strategy?”

“Direct approach,” Richardson’s features showed calculated appreciation. “Though sometimes the most valuable investments require more… personal attention.”

“My expertise focuses solely on financial matters,” Liv’s voice promised hidden steel. “Shall we review the terms?”

“Final offer,” Richardson’s voice turned pure ice. “Share a drink with me, or leave. Rather simple choice for securing fifty million pounds.”

Liv’s burning ice remained perfectly controlled as she assessed his ultimatum. “Professional boundaries exist for a reason, Mr. Richardson.”

“Then perhaps,” his tone held dangerous finality as he lifted his glass, “you should explain to Morris exactly why you failed to secure this contract.”

“My position remains clear,” Liv’s words carried lethal precision. “The terms require thorough review, nothing more.”

“Pity,” Richardson’s features showed calculated dismissal as he signaled for the bill. “Though watching Morris handle your… failure should prove rather entertaining.”

“Perhaps,” Liv’s voice carried carefully crafted surrender. “One drink wouldn’t breach professional ethics.”

Richardson’s features showed pure satisfaction as she lifted the untouched champagne. “Rather wise decision. Though watching your careful resistance proved most entertaining.”

“The contract details,” her burning ice remained perfectly hidden behind apparent submission. “Still require thorough review.”

“All in good time,” his tone held dangerous triumph as he signaled for another bottle. “Though perhaps we should celebrate our new… understanding first.”

“Of course,” Liv’s words carried deliberate acceptance while cataloging every detail of his predatory satisfaction. Sometimes the most effective strategy required letting your target believe they’d won.

“To successful partnerships,” Richardson’s smile promised things far beyond business. “Rather fascinating how thoroughly persuasive proper motivation proves.”

The crystal shattered, sending Krug across polished marble as Liv’s burning ice smile faltered. Her vision blurred, world tilting dangerously as she gripped the armchair.

“Rather unfortunate reaction. The good crystal,” Richardson’s voice carried pure satisfaction through the growing haze. “Though Morris suggested you might require… special handling.”

“You…” her tone fought for control as darkness crept in. Her perfectly maintained facade slipping as whatever he’d added to her drink took hold.

“The contract’s yours,” Richardson’s voice carried pure satisfaction as he watched Liv struggle against the drug. “Rather simple exchange, wouldn’t you agree?”

Her burning ice fought to maintain focus as darkness crept closer. The restaurant’s lights blurred, his predatory smile growing distant.

“Though perhaps,” his tone held dangerous triumph, “we should move somewhere more… private to finalize the details.”

Part 2: Counterstrike

The hotel room door clicked shut behind them… And Richardson’s triumphant smile lasted exactly two more seconds.

Liv’s limb body exploded into lethal precision as she broke his grip, her perfectly crafted helplessness vanishing like smoke. “Rather predictable plan.”

“How-” his voice cut off as she slammed him against the wall, arm locked behind his back with professional efficiency.

“The champagne?” Liv’s tone carried pure satisfaction. “Shattered quite effectively on the floor. Though watching you believe your little game worked proved rather entertaining.”

“You can’t-” Richardson’s features showed pure panic as realization dawned.

“Actually,” her words promised destruction as she tightened her hold. “We should discuss exactly how thoroughly you’ve compromised yourself. The drugged drink, Morris’s involvement, your particular method of… securing contracts.”

“Rather fascinating situation,” Liv’s burning ice voice carried lethal precision. “Though perhaps we should discuss exactly who else knows about your particular methods.”

Richardson’s features showed pure panic as she increased pressure. “You don’t understand-“

“The drugged drinks?” Her tone promised destruction. “Or how thoroughly Morris arranges these special meetings for you?”

“Please,” his words turned desperate. “They’ll kill me if-“

“They?” Liv’s smile turned purely predatory. “Rather specific choice of words. Though watching you realize exactly how thoroughly you’ve compromised yourself proves most entertaining.”

“You can’t possibly-” his voice cut off as she shifted her hold.

“Actually,” her burning ice never wavered. “I just did.”

“Tell me about Morris’s arrangements,” Liv’s burning ice voice carried lethal precision as she maintained her hold on Richardson.

“Simple business,” his features showed pure fear. “Extra compensation for… particular introductions.”

“Just a pervert with money,” Liv’s burning ice voice carried pure disgust. “Rather pathetic revelation after such elaborate setup.”

“How long?” Her tone promised destruction.

“Two years,” Richardson’s words tumbled out. “Morris arranges private meetings with new interns. I pay him twenty thousand per introduction.”

“Rather specific business model,” Liv’s grip tightened slightly. “Exactly how many interns faced your particular negotiation style.”

“Three… maybe four,” his voice cracked. “Morris handled everything,” Richardson’s voice cracked. “The arrangements, the special meetings…”

“Rather simple choice,” Liv’s burning ice voice carried pure authority as Sebastian’s security team entered. “Sign the contract, or face rather public exposure of your particular negotiation methods.”

Richardson’s features showed desperate calculation as Emma handed him the documents. “You can’t possibly-“

“Actually,” Liv’s tone promised destruction. “We should discuss exactly how thoroughly we’ll destroy your reputation. Every meeting, every payment to Morris, every attempted assault.”

“The contract,” his hands trembled as he reached for the pen. “Just the contract?”

“Perfect understanding,” her burning ice smile turned predatory. “Though watching you realize exactly how thoroughly you’ve compromised yourself proves rather entertaining.”

“Take him,” Liv’s words carried lethal satisfaction as he finished signing. “And ensure our friend understands the rather specific consequences of discussing today’s events.”

“I have connections,” his features showed desperate hope. “Money, influence-“

“Had,” her tone promised destruction as she circled him. “Past tense. Though watching you grasp at your rapidly dissolving power proves rather entertaining.”

“The contract’s signed,” Richardson’s words carried pathetic urgency. “We could forget-“

“You will pay for every assault,” Liv’s burning ice never wavered. “Nothing disappears.”

“Please,” his voice cracked as security tightened their hold. “I’ll double whatever-“

“Money won’t save you,” her words carried pure satisfaction. “Your reputation, your business, your entire carefully crafted world ends today.”

“Amanda Pierce,” Richardson’s voice turned desperate as security dragged him toward the door. “Kate Morgan. Drake’s operation-“

Liv’s burning ice smile sharpened to lethal precision. “Rather fascinating attempt. Though perhaps not as fascinating as how thoroughly you misread the situation.”

“The Singapore trades,” his features showed pure panic. “Morris said… Drake’s involvement…”

“Throwing names won’t save you,” her tone carried dangerous satisfaction. “Though watching you grasp at information you don’t actually possess proves rather entertaining.”

“Please,” Richardson’s words cracked. “The Pierce-Morgan alliance… I know things…”

“Take him,” Liv’s voice promised destruction. “Though his rather specific choice of names proves… interesting.”

Part 3: Office Confrontation

Blackwood Securities – Trading Floor

“Contract secured,” Liv’s burning ice voice carried pure satisfaction as she strode through the trading floor. Her discount suit and careful facade remained perfectly in place.

“Impossible,” Morris’s voice carried pure disbelief. “Our intern secured Richardson’s contract?”

Liv’s burning ice remained perfectly controlled as she placed the signed documents on his desk. “Though perhaps we should discuss your particular method of arranging client meetings.”

Morris’s features showed calculated triumph as she approached. “Rather surprising outcome. Though perhaps we should discuss your rather specific negotiation methods.”

“Actually,” Liv’s tone turned lethal. “We should discuss Drake’s operation. Rather specific names emerged during Richardson’s… confession.”

“Confession?” Morris’s words carried dangerous tension.

“Perfect word choice,” Liv’s voice promised destruction. “Though watching you process exactly how thoroughly your operation’s compromised proves rather entertaining.”

Her tone held lethal precision. “We should discuss Amanda Pierce, Kate Morgan, and their particular connection to Richard Drake.”

The trading floor froze. Kate’s perfectly manicured nails gripped her designer desk while Amanda’s face turned pure ice.

“Rather bold threats,” Morris’s voice turned purely lethal. “Consider your next words carefully, Miss Chen. Your career, your future…”

Liv’s burning ice smile shifted as she removed her carefully crafted mask. “Though perhaps we should discuss exactly who holds the power to destroy lives.”

The trading floor froze as her discount suit and nervous demeanor dissolved into pure authority. Amanda’s sharp features showed dawning horror while Kate’s perfectly manicured nails trembled against her designer desk.

“Impossible,” Morris’s words carried desperate realization. “You’re…”

“Olivia Sinclair,” her tone promised destruction. “Though watching you process exactly how thoroughly you’ve compromised yourself proves rather entertaining.”

“You can’t possibly-” his features showed pure panic.

“Actually,” Liv’s voice held lethal satisfaction. “We should discuss exactly how many careers end today. Starting with your rather specific arrangement with Richardson.”

“Security,” Morris’s voice carried desperate authority. “Remove this imposter immediately.”

“Miss Sinclair,” the lead officer’s tone held pure respect. “Orders?”

Morris’s features showed dawning horror as his last defense crumbled. “You can’t-“

“Actually,” Liv’s words promised destruction. “We should discuss exactly how thoroughly you’ve compromised Blackwood Securities. The arranged meetings, the drugged drinks, your particular method of exploiting interns.”

Amanda’s sharp intake of breath cut through the frozen trading floor while Kate’s perfectly manicured nails gripped her designer desk.

Sebastian’s aristocratic voice cut through the tension as he entered the trading floor. “Morris.”

Liv’s burning ice smile turned purely satisfied as her fiancé’s lethal presence joined hers. “Perfect timing, darling.”

“Security breach in progress,” Morris’s desperate features showed one final attempt. “This woman-“

“Is my wife,” Sebastian’s tone promised destruction. “And watching you process exactly how thoroughly you’ve blown yourself is quite entertaining.”

“The Blackwood-Sinclair alliance,” Amanda’s sharp voice carried pure horror while Kate’s perfectly manicured nails trembled against her designer desk.

“Actually,” Liv’s words held dangerous satisfaction. “We should discuss exactly how your department’s corruption ends today.”

“Wait,” Morris’s voice cracked with desperate calculation. “Perhaps we should discuss… arrangements.”

“Rather fascinating shift,” Liv’s burning ice smile turned purely predatory. “Though watching you grasp at negotiation proves rather entertaining.”

“The Singapore operation,” Morris’s features showed pure panic. “Drake’s involvement… Amanda’s particular role…”

“Careful,” Sebastian’s aristocratic tone carried lethal warning. “Though perhaps we should discuss exactly how thoroughly your confession impacts your colleagues.”

Amanda’s sharp intake of breath cut through the frozen trading floor while Kate’s perfectly manicured nails dug into her designer desk.

“Everything,” Morris’s words tumbled out. “The arranged meetings, Drake’s payments, the information leaks…”

“Perfect cooperation,” Liv’s voice promised destruction. “Though watching your rather specific betrayal of your co-conspirators proves most illuminating.”

“I’ll tell everything-” Morris’s voice cut off as two sharp sounds echoed through the trading floor.

Amanda and Kate collapsed in their own blood, before security could react.

“Secure the floor,” Sebastian’s voice promised destruction as his security team moved with professional precision. “No one leaves.”

Tom’s features showed pure shock from his corner desk. “They’re…”

“Dead,” Liv’s words held dangerous satisfaction. “Though watching Morris process exactly how thoroughly his allies tried to silence him proves rather entertaining.”

Liv’s burning ice smile froze as she turned back to Morris. His features showed pure, primal horror – not at Amanda and Kate’s collapse, but at something behind her.

Then Morris´ face turned into a red fragmented crater.

“Move!” Sebastian’s aristocratic tone turned purely lethal as he lunged forward.

The trading floor erupted into chaos.

Tom’s desperate warning came too late as David emerged from the shadows, his previously quiet presence transformed into something far more dangerous.

“Perfect timing,” David’s words promised destruction. “Though watching the great Olivia Sinclair realize exactly how thoroughly she’s been played proves rather entertaining.”

David’s lethal aim fixed on Liv as security’s response turned the trading floor into controlled chaos.

Multiple shots echoed through the space.

David’s features showed pure shock as Sebastian’s security team executed with devastating precision.

His weapon clattered to the floor as he collapsed.

“Dead,” Sebastian’s aristocratic tone held dangerous satisfaction.

“Perfect timing,” Liv’s words promised destruction as she watched their final opponent fall. “I would say… Leak eliminated.”