Xavier’s men were already lined up, waiting in black SUVs with tinted windows at the airport. Everything about the arrangement screamed money and protection, and Xavier made sure of it. If he wanted these men to hand him the leverage he needed against Antonio, then they had to feel safer with him than with Antonio. “Escort them directly to the estate,” Xavier instructed, buttoning his tailored jacket. His voice was calm but carried the weight of command. “And make sure their phones are secured. No one outside this circle knows they’re here.”The men, five of them in total, came down one after the other. They were poweful shareholders in Antonio’s company. Xavier had spent the past months studying each one of them, their businesses, their fears, their families. He wasn’t leaving anything to chance.When they got to his estate, they had bottles of rare wine standing uncorked on the long mahogany table, cigars sat waiting, and a faint scent of leather mixed with sandalwood filled the a

Xavier hadn’t expected to see both women together when he came back. Amber stood across from Irene, and she looked disturbed. “Is everything okay?” “Well, well,” Irene purred, rising to her feet. “Speak of the devil. We were just have our little girls gist." “Really?” Xavier’s voice carried both surprise and a touch of disbelief as he looked between Amber and Irene. “You two seem to be… getting along now. That’s good. I’m impressed.”Amber forced a bright smile, her hands still clasped nervously in front of her. “Of course. Irene was just telling me about a wedding she attended last year. It sounded… beautiful.”Irene’s lips curved ever so slightly, but her eyes never left Amber’s face. She nodded slowly, like a cat satisfied that it had cornered a mouse. “Yes, it was such a remarkable wedding. You would have loved it, Xavier. Everything was perfect. Food, music, even the people.” Her gaze flicked briefly to Amber before returning to Xavier. “You should come with me to one some

Emerald’s laughter carried across the small playground, her tiny hands gripping the chains of the swing as she pumped her legs forward. The late afternoon sun cast a soft glow over the yard, and Xavier stood watching quietly, his tall frame almost out of place in the cheerful setting. Amber was beside him, hands folded, her eyes darting around as if to scan for threats even in a child’s world.Emerald’s eyes widened the moment she saw him. “Hey!” she squealed, hopping off the swing and rushing over. “I remember you! You came when Mommy and Daddy went on vacation.”A smile broke across Xavier’s face. “You remembered me?” “Yes.” Emerald nodded quickly, her ponytail bouncing. “You brought me chocolate that day. The one shaped like a teddy bear.”Amber gasped softly and glanced at Xavier with surprise. “Wow, she has a sharp memory.”Emerald grinned proudly. “Mummy says I remember too much sometimes, she says I’m like Daddy. But I like it. It helps me know who is good and who is not.”

Antonio stepped into the house with a grin that tried to pass for charm. “Lisa! My darling wife, I missed you.”he said, arms open, as if nothing had happened. “Don't you look ravishing? My money looks good on you. How's my little princess, Emerald?”Lisa didn’t even glance at him. She stood rigid, arms crossed. “You missed me?” she repeated, her voice icy. “Do you even know what day it is? When was the last time you spent an hour, just an hour with Emerald? You’ve been gone for days to God knows where, don’t tell me you missed us when you didn’t care enough to show up for us.”Antonio chuckled, brushing imaginary dust from his designer blazer. “Come on, Lisa. Don’t start. You always stir up some shit when I try to be present. You know I’ve been busy. Business never sleeps.” “Busy?” Lisa’s voice rose. “Busy sending men to attack Xavier? Busy creating chaos that might have gotten Chris killed?”Antonio’s grin didn’t falter but his eyes widen in shock. “How did you find out about

Antonio had been in the middle of lunch when his secretary rushed into his office with a nervous look on her face. “Sir, the board has called for an urgent meeting,” she announced.Antonio frowned, pushing his plate away. “Urgent? Why wasn’t I informed earlier? Who approved this?” “They said it was important and you had to attend immediately,” she explained.Antonio adjusted his suit jacket, irritation already rising. He hated being summoned like a schoolboy, especially in his own company. If the shareholders wanted to talk, they should have come to him. Still, he stood up, straightened his tie, and walked down the long corridor that led to the boardroom.When he entered, the room fell quiet. Every man seated around the large oval table had a serious expression, as if they had already discussed something important behind his back.Antonio dropped into his seat at the head of the table. He looked around, studying their faces one by one. “Alright,” he said flatly. “What is so urgent