Page 32 of Toxic

I turn, eyeing the tablet in his hands. “Show me.”

Daniel activates the screen, and a series of images and reports flicker to life. I lean in, my eyes narrowing as I take in the damning evidence. Regina Black and Viktor Kazanov, caught in clandestine meetings, their alliance laid bare before me.

“They’ve been coordinating for months,” Daniel explains, his tone grim. “Financial transactions, shared resources—their alliance is solidified.”

I feel a tightening in my chest, a mix of anger and anticipation. “Regina and Viktor together amplify each other’sinfluence,” I muse, more to myself than to Daniel. “This changes everything.”

Daniel nods. “Their combined efforts could disrupt your operations significantly.”

“We need more,” I decide, my mind already racing. “Contact Sphinx. I want everything they can dig up on Regina and Viktor’s operations. And while you’re at it, see if you can get any leads on Sphinx’s identity. I want to know why they’ve been helping us.”

Daniel raises an eyebrow. “You think Sphinx will cooperate?”

“They will if we make it worth their while,” I reply coldly. “Offer whatever it takes. I need that information.”

As Daniel leaves to make the arrangements, I turn to my intercom. “Lucas, arrange a private dinner for tonight with Regina Black. Use the pretext of discussing a potential business merger. Book us at La Sorella.”

“Right away, sir,” Lucas responds promptly.

As I prepare for the encounter, I review everything I know about Regina—her tactics, her weaknesses, her desires. I select my attire with care, a tailored suit that speaks of power and control. Every detail matters in this game we play.

La Sorella is a sanctuary of luxury and discretion, the perfect backdrop for the dance of deception I’m about to engage in. I arrive early, selecting a private dining room with a view of the city. The muted lighting casts long shadows, perfect for hiding truths and revealing lies.

Regina enters, a vision of elegance and ambition. Her smile is dazzling, but her eyes are sharp, ever-watchful. “Hawk, it’s delightful to see you,” she greets, extending her hand.

I take it, my grip firm and cold. “Regina. Sit.”

As we settle in and the first course is served, I begin to weave my web. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve called this meeting,” I start, my voice level and controlled.

Regina’s eyes light up with interest. “I assumed it was to discuss the potential merger you mentioned. Our combined resources could position us to dominate in ways we’ve only dreamed of.”

I lean back, fixing her with a steely gaze. “Let’s cut the bullshit, Regina. I know about your alliance with Viktor Kazanov.”

Her composure slips for just a moment, a flicker of shock crossing her face before she regains control. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she says smoothly.

“Don’t insult my intelligence,” I reply, my voice sharp as a blade. “I warned you what would happen if you ever threatened Devin again. And yet, at the family event, you couldn’t help yourself, could you?”

Regina’s eyes narrow. “Devin is a big girl. She can handle a little family drama.”

I lean forward, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Let me be very clear. Anyone who hurts Devin will pay. And that includes you, Regina. Your little alliance with Viktor? It ends now.”

“Or what?” Regina challenges, though I can see the fear creeping into her eyes.

I smile, cold and predatory. “Or I’ll destroy everything you’ve built. Your reputation, your business, your standing in the family. I’ll leave you with nothing.”

Regina’s face pales, but she quickly recovers. “You’re bluffing. You don’t have that kind of power.”

I laugh at her stupidity. She still doesn’t realize who she’s dealing with.

“Are you willing to bet everything on that?” I ask softly.

A tense silence falls between us. Finally, Regina speaks. “What do you want from me?”

“A partnership,” I reply, watching her carefully. “A real one. You’ll feed me information on Viktor’s operations. In return, I’ll protect you from the fallout when we take him down.”

Regina’s eyes widen in surprise. “You want to take down Viktor?”

I nod. “And you’re going to help me do it. Consider it your penance for crossing me.”

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