Page 113 of The Pakhan

“Yes, and I suspected at the district attorney and two judges minimum, but the number of corporate moguls including Caroline’s father is unusual. And two congressmen. What is this world coming to?” He laughed.

“Corruption isn’t left to just bad men like us.”

“I have confirmed they were more interested in using the land they’d purchased for keeping their party favors, including South American diamonds.”

“It sounds to me as if they are attempting to emulate the big boys, such as ourselves.”

“I guess so. It would seem millions wasn’t enough for them. I guess if they figured the crime syndicates were out of the picture, no one would be the wiser.”

“Indeed.” Joe had also managed to unlock one last file from the drive. It contained a detailed plan on planting evidence before stealing billions of dollars from our various funds. Given it would look like the Four Horsemen, as I’d come to call the twisted alliance I’d entered into, had extorted the money if discovered, no one would care.

Or so they’d believed. They’d also underestimated what I was capable of.

Big mistake.

I stood back, giving myself a nod of approval. “And our less than illustrious guests? I assume they are arriving on time and with bells on?”

“Confirmed. Do you honestly think they’d miss something of this magnitude?”

Laughing, I shook my head. “Have you seen Caroline?”

“Not yet. I know she wants to look perfect.”

Why was I suddenly nervous? I rolled my eyes.

“You like this woman.”

He’d said that more than once over the last few days. “Yes, I do. Okay? Is that what you want to hear?”

“Yep. So you’re keeping her.”

“When we’re finished, she deserves the choice of returning to her life.”

He cocked his head as if I was an idiot. “I think she’s made it perfectly clear what she wants. Now, it’s up to you to open your eyes.”

Sighing, I wanted to retort but all I needed to concentrate on was the night’s chaos. And I had every belief that’s what it would be.

“Can I join the party? Do you have time?”

Hearing Sofiya’s voice brought a smile to my face. “I always have time for my daughter.”

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Aleksander said as he grinned, clapping me on the back. “Guests are arriving. I’m certain you’ll want to make a grand entrance.”

I laughed. “Yeah, we’ll see.”

After he left, Sofiya moved toward me, adjusting my bow tie. “You could never tie one of these.”

“And where did you learn to do so, daughter of mine?”

“From you.” When she was satisfied, she patted my chest. “You look amazing, but Caroline looks… incredible.”

“I’m sure she does. Are you okay with this?”

“Perfectly fine, Dad. I’m looking forward to seeing you in action since you never allow that.”

“Well, you know what to do if anything goes south, right?”

“Yes, Dad. Grab Caroline and Daniella. Head to your office and enter the panic room where we will stay until someone we trust and who knows the code comes to retrieve us. I know the routine.”

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