Page 72 of Temptation and Tyranny

A cold smile played across Laurent’s lips. “Your security was impressive, I’ll give you that. But I’ve been doing this for decades.” He adjusted his cuff links with practiced ease. “A few bribes to the right people, a staged incident across town to draw your men’s attention...Did you really think your hastily assembled team could outmaneuver me? I taught half the security specialists in Europe their trade.”

I clenched my hands into fists, dying to take a swing at him. Every word was like salt in a deep cut, reminding me how stupid I’d been to think I could protect Allegra from this world. “Where is she?”

“Patience, young man. First, let’s discuss terms.”

“I’m not discussing anything until I see she’s safe.”

“Very well.” He gestured toward the warehouse door. “After you.”

Every instinct screamed at me not to turn my back on him, but I had no choice. As we entered the warehouse, the space opened up before us, cavernous and dimly lit. In the center, illuminated by a single spotlight, sat Allegra.

My heart clenched. She was pale but unharmed, her dark hair falling loose around her face. Her eyes met mine, wide with fear and something else—desperation?

“Cooper,” she called out, struggling against her bonds. “Please, you have to leave. Don’t do this. He’s my—”

“Quiet,” Rousseau snapped, and she flinched in a way that seemed oddly familiar.

That’s when I saw it. Really saw it. The same sharp cheekbones. The same green eyes. The way she flinched at his voice—not the fear of a stranger, but the fear of someone who’d known this man’s rage before.

“She’s your daughter,” I breathed, the words hitting me like a physical blow.

The proud tilt of his head—so like Allegra’s—confirmed it before he spoke.

My mind raced back through every moment with her. How she never talked about her father. All those questions about my business, wrapped in seeming innocent concern. Refusing my security…her father at the same goddamn gala where we’d danced.

Fuck, I’d been such a fool.

“Cooper,” she whispered, tears streaming down her face. “Please, I can explain—”

“Don’t.” I looked at Allegra, seeing the guilt cross her face. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered confession of love—had it all been orchestrated? Had she laughed with her father about how easily I’d fallenfor it?

But even as betrayal burned through me, I couldn’t bear to see her hurt. That realization made it worse—even knowing she’d fooled me, I still loved her.

At least I still had some cards to play.

“You know what’s funny, Rousseau?” I said, keeping my voice steady despite the ache in my chest. “You’re so desperate to look powerful, you didn’t notice what was happening right in front of you.”

He frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“The Shanghai deal last month? You took a loss. Brussels too. And that operation in Dubai?” I watched his face carefully. “You’re hemorrhaging money. Have been for months.”

The slight twitch in his jaw told me I’d hit home. For once, I was glad that I’d shown mercy to Henri and his men. This knowledge was worth the price, and was the only bargaining chip I had against Rousseau.

“Your men are loyal because they think you’re invincible. Because every time you lose a shipment or take a hit, you cover it up with a bigger show of force.” I took a step closer. “But it’s all smoke and mirrors, isn’t it? You’re playing a shell game, moving money around to hide the bleeding. One good push, and it all comes crashing down.”

“You have no proof—”

Behind him, my men emerged from the shadows, red laser sights dotting his chest. I pulled out my phone, showed him the screen. “Bank records don’t lie. Three of your major accounts are nearly empty. You’ve mortgaged properties you’ve owned for decades. And that new weapons deal you’re so desperate to stop me from making? You need it because you can’t afford to letanyone else control the market right now.”

The color drained from his face. In our world, the appearance of power was everything. If his rivals knew how vulnerable he really was...

“My men—”

“Will scatter the moment they realize you can’t pay them. How many missed paychecks before they start looking for new employers? How many of your rivals would love to pick them off, piece by piece?” I let that sink in. “And all it would take is one email. One leak showing the great Laurent Rousseau is running on fumes.”

For a long moment, the warehouse was silent except for Allegra’s quiet breathing. Then Rousseau lowered his weapon.

“What do you want?”

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