Page 23 of The Councilor

As he’d done before, he shoved his hands into his pockets, turning to face his beloved window.

“You refuse?” he asked again.

“One hundred percent.”

His exhalation was harsh and devoid of emotion. This was just business to him. He couldn’t care less about ruining my life. That made me saddest of all.

“Then I will have no other choice,” he said, and it suddenly dawned on me Sophia wasn’t a child any longer. He could force this blasphemous marriage made in hell on her.

I held my breath, waiting for the next shoe to drop.

“I will need all the soldiers I can get since the violence will become horrific. I’ll now be forced to require Caspian to become a part of my army.” He allowed the words to linger, knowing I would suddenly grow pale.

Caspian was barely sixteen, looking very much a younger version of the man himself and seemed to be the kind of kid who wanted more to do with my father’s empire. I adored Sophia and would do anything to protect her, and I’d do the same with my brother; he was a baby soul with a heart of gold. He’d also had issues, something that continued to derail him every once in a while. He’d be eaten alive if he was tossed into my father’s world.

When a sly smile crossed my father’s face, I confronted him with an even more aggressive attitude, screaming as my body shook. “How dare you think you can treat your own children like commodities? How dare you pit one against the other? I hate you.”

“Hate me all you want, Raphaella. That changes nothing. In business, as with pleasure, sacrifices must be made for the betterment of the entire family. Often, difficult choices need to be made. I am a fair man, so the choice is entirely up to you.”

A single trickle of blood slipped into my mouth, the coppery sweet taste a reminder of how brutal he could be. I had no choice. None. My brother would be killed within months. The kid was a born scientist, destined to create something amazingfor humanity. And Sophia was youthful in both appearance and in her attitude, yet to be given the chance at life.

I had to protect them at all costs.

“Fine, Father. I will agree to your disgusting request, but I have a caveat of my own.”

“You’re in no position to make demands.”

“I believe I am.”

He laughed, as if he was getting a kick out of all of this. “Go ahead by all means. Allow me to hear your demands.”

“I have one and it will be entered into the contract. You will allow both Sophia and Caspian to live their lives the way they want without interference.”

His eyes reflected anger, but he nodded. “The change will be made quickly and you will sign the contract.”

He didn’t need to say it.

“Or else.”

CHAPTER 8

Aleksander

The pieces were almost in place for finishing up the trial. I refused to allow it to go on any longer. With Jacob gloating, acting like he’d already won, I was totally out of patience.

I’d spent the entire morning until early afternoon, ensuring everything was together. Just a couple of additional items and I’d feel secure. Plus, I wanted to run everything by Raphaella. What better way to introduce her deeper into the business she seemed to want?

Granted, every conversation we’d shared had been terse but eventually her guard would fall. Or so I hoped.

When the door opened, I beckoned her closer, offering a smile. Yes, I could be a bear to work for, but I appreciated decent help when I could find it.

“You wanted to see me, sir?” she asked, her tone still curt but extremely professional.

“Absolutely. You were definitely onto something with your find. I thought I’d let you see where we stand. Convincing the jury the new witness was with Congressman Tillman will prove somewhat difficult, but I have faith in my skills.”

“I’m sure you do.”

As soon as she sat down, I sensed something was wrong, mostly because she had half her face turned the other way. The moment she reached across the table for the folder, I shook my head.

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