L

is route," he said pointing to the charts displayed on the projector screen.

voice of the f

in the mood for any of this. In reality, all of this-the real estate holdings, the casinos-was just a faç

ond-in-command, Cathan spoke on my behalf. "Everythin

ia kingdom. And though this company was the perfect front for our darker dealings,

Cathan, and gave him a single lo

Mr. Montgomery will ensure these matters are res

hing isn't urgent enough?" a voice

ol greens and my deep browns-locking on th

ever could. The man shrank back i

pointed at my show of restraint. I'd have put him six feet under for t

nce Cathan offered them behind me. I just needed space and

leaving our entire empire to me at eighteen. I had Elaine backing me over the years with everything, including the dark parts

hat happened last time, I've made it a

at the door. I allowed him in and he stepp

he said, resting his hand on the

ell them that our family's oldest rival has gotten too close-close enough to tank the company and use their bloodlust to

we have to act quickly. If our stocks keep falling, our front does too and the sharks are already circling. A

grave. "We can't afford th

with him there.

d throughout Chicago-especially Allure-this real estate fi

d in agreement. "We can'

gestured to him. "We both know

ack laptop from seemingly nowhere, some strands of his

n. A damn good one actually

t out his strategic, nerdy side. Whenever he

he was the only person I truly trust

stened to him, nodding along, until his ph

y, and I saw the chan

he said coldly into the re

back into his pock

g a single brow at his

He's asking for an audience w

n D

Daily News, and an in

e of a statement than a question. "Sniffing aroun

t seems he might be g

u

y," I said

r himself lucky he's still alive. The only reason he's breathing is because of the co

hate th

g from my chair. I needed to see my sister and her

le nod, already kn

d if he pushes too far... tell secu

howed up again, I might have to do a little

once shared a womb with befor