Chapter 6 - THE DEAL SAMUEL REFUSED
Samuel had known Vivienne was searching for the evidence.
His medical bills had made him vulnerable.
She offered to erase every dollar he owed if he surrendered the records.
He refused.
Layla read her father’s reply with tears running down her face.
My daughter will not inherit protection purchased with another family’s blood.
Dominic stood beside her in silence.
Samuel had died believing the truth would one day protect Layla.
Instead, it had made her a target.
Vincent studied the documents.
“If Cross learns we have this, he will move first.”
“He already has,” Dominic said.
Dominic returned to the city and summoned Vivienne to an unfinished hotel owned by Gallow Development.
She arrived with six guards.
Dominic came alone.
At least, that was what she believed.
Hidden cameras recorded every word.
“You attacked Layla,” he said.
Vivienne removed her gloves.
“I warned her.”
“You sent a man with a gun.”
“I sent someone to recover stolen property.”
“The property belonged to Samuel Bennett.”
“It belonged to my father.”
Dominic stepped closer.
“Your father murdered my mother.”
Vivienne’s face did not change.
“That is a dangerous accusation.”
“I have proof.”
For the first time, fear appeared in her eyes.
“What do you want?”
“The truth.”
“The truth will destroy your father’s reputation.”
“He is dead.”
“It will destroy yours.”
Dominic said nothing.
Vivienne smiled again.
“You built your fortune with the money Marcus stole.”
“I can rebuild.”
“Can Layla?”
His gaze sharpened.
Vivienne continued.
“She has no money, no influence, and twins who will need constant protection.”
“You will never approach her again.”
“You cannot guard her forever.”
Dominic looked toward the dark windows.
“I only need to guard her until your family falls.”
Vivienne understood then.
The meeting was being recorded.
She reached inside her coat.
Dominic caught her wrist before she could draw the pistol.
Gallow men appeared from the shadows.
Vincent removed the weapon.
Vivienne laughed.
“You think this ends with me?”
Dominic leaned close.
“No.”
“It ends with your father.”
She was released because Dominic wanted her to believe she still had choices.
That night, Vivienne returned to the Cross mansion.
Charles Cross listened to the recording of her meeting.
Then he slapped her hard enough to split her lip.
“You let him trap you.”
“He already knew.”
Charles opened a drawer and removed a syringe.
“Then we finish the wedding before he can expose us.”
Vivienne stared at the clear liquid.
May you like
“What is that?”
“The reason Dominic Gallow will not survive his vows.”
