Page 53 of Cruel Hero

My mind races. This is more complicated than I anticipated.

“What did Dean promise you?”

“A seat on the board. Voting rights. A way to clean my money through legitimate business channels.”

“Dean is dead,” I remind him coolly. “Those promises died with him.”

“Promises were made, Mr. Leroy. And I expect them to be honored. By you, or by the lovely Miss Carter.”

My jaw clenches involuntarily at the mention of Tiffany. “What Dean promised and what I’m willing to deliver are two different things. But I’m open to negotiation.”

“Go on.”

“I’m offering my expertise and connections to help establish your influence in North America. My network spans the continent, and I’m willing to open those doors for you.”

Daniel shifts behind me. Silva notices, his eyes flickering to Daniel before returning to me.

“Interesting proposition,” he murmurs. “But I’ll need more than just your word.”

“What about a wife?”

Silva raises an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “What exactly are you proposing, Mr. Leroy?”

“An alliance. Moroni’s daughter is young and well-connected. A strategic marriage would solidify your position.”

His weakness is power, and achieving it requires a wife.

Daniel’s sharp intake of breath behind me is the only indication of his surprise. I can feel his eyes boring into the back of my head, but I don’t turn around. My focus remains on Silva.

“Moroni’s daughter?” he repeats, his tone a mix of skepticism and intrigue. “That’s a bold offer, Leroy. But why would Moroni agree to such an arrangement?”

“Because it’s mutually beneficial. You get legitimacy, political connections, and a pathway into networks currently close to you. The Moroni family gains strategic positioning through your international operations.”

I can almost feel Daniel’s unease. He knows, as well as I do, that this is a high-stakes negotiation where one wrong word could mean our death.

“And what do you get out of this arrangement, Leroy?”

“What I get is the assurance that my business interests—and the interests of those I care about—are protected. I’m not here to start a war, Silva. I’m here to clean up the mess Dean left behind. If we can come to an arrangement that benefits both of us, then everyone walks away satisfied.”

A dangerous glint enters Silva’s eyes. “You’re asking a lot.”

“I’m offering a lot. Access to North American markets, political influence, and a strategic marriage that elevates your family’s status. All you have to do is walk away from Dean Carter’s unfinished business.”

The silence stretches. Silva’s goons remain motionless, their hands hovering near their weapons. Daniel’s presence behind me is steady.

“You’re a cold-blooded strategist, Leroy. I like that,” he says finally. “But how do I know you can deliver on these promises?”

“Because I always deliver. My reputation speaks for itself.”

His laugh is sharp. “Reputation can be bought and sold, just like anything else in our world.”

“Not mine. I’ve built my empire on trust and strategic alliances. The Moroni family knows this. They’ll see the benefit in this arrangement.”

“Fine,” Silva says with a flick of his hand. “I can see the potential in your offer, and I’m willing to agree to your terms. But if the arrangement falls through, all bets are off. I’ll come for you, for the Carter girl, for everything you hold dear.”

I nod, keeping my expression neutral even as relief floods through me. “I’ll have your meeting with Umberto scheduled for next week. Then we’ll finalize the details.”

He stands, signaling the end of our meeting. “I look forward to our new partnership, Mr. Leroy. Don’t make me regret it.”

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