Page 39 of Cruel Hero

Tiffany finishes her meal and then climbs onto my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck.

“I haven’t properly thanked you yet.” She rests her head on my shoulder. “For helping me with my uncle’s mess. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“It’s too soon to thank me, love. We still have some loose ends to tie up, although we are making progress with the new shipment.”

“Talking about loose ends, the basement at the manor—”

“I took care of it,” I interject.

“You did?” Tiffany lifts her head. “When?”

“During Dean’s funeral.”

Her eyes widen, her lips parting in surprise. “During the funeral? Adrien, that was risky. What if someone had seen you?”

I smirk, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “No one saw us. I made sure of it. Besides, everyone was too busy mourning Dean to notice.”

She exhales softly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. “What did you find?”

I tighten my arms around her waist, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. “Nothing you need to worry about,” I say, my voice steady. “The basement was cleared out—old files, equipment, everything. Whatever your uncle was hiding down there, it’s gone now.”

“You’re always one step ahead, aren’t you?”

“When it comes to you? Always. I won’t let anything—or anyone—hurt you. Not again.”

Tiffany’s eyes soften, and she leans in, her lips brushing against mine in a tender kiss that makes my chest tighten. “I trust you.”

Her words hit me harder than I expect, burrowing deep into my chest. I pull her closer, one hand cradling the back of her head as I deepen the kiss, pouring everything I can’t say into it—my fear, my need, and my love.

When we break apart, she’s breathless, her cheeks flushed, and her lips slightly swollen. I press my forehead to hers, our breaths mingling. “You don’t have to be scared. Not with me.”

She smiles faintly, but there’s a shadow in her eyes that tells me she’s still haunted by everything she’s uncovered—her uncle’s betrayal, the threats looming over us, the danger that seems to lurk around every corner. I hate I can’t erase it all for her, that I can’t promise her a life free of fear and uncertainty. But I can promise her this—I’ll fight for her, protect her, and stand by her side no matter what.

We sit in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other’s presence and taking in the stunning view before us. The stars twinkle above us as the city shimmers in the moonlight. I’m struck by how natural this feels—sharing a meal and talking about our day. It’s a level of domesticity I never thought I’d want, let alone enjoy.

Tiffany breaks the silence. “Did you make any progress on figuring out what my uncle was involved in?”

I hesitate for a moment, weighing how much to tell her. The truth is sharp, jagged, and I don’t want to cut her with it—not yet. But she deserves honesty. “We’re getting closer,” I say carefully, my fingers tracing absent circles on her thigh. “There are some connections we’re still untangling, but it’s not looking good. It seems Dean was mixed up with some very dangerous people.”

“How dangerous are we talking?”

“Have you ever heard of Rafael Silva?”

Tiffany shakes her head. “I think I saw this name in the list of names I mentioned earlier, but I’m not familiar with him. Who is he?”

“Rafael Silva is the kind of man who makes your uncle’s shady dealings look like child’s play. He’s a kingpin in the underground world—arms trafficking, money laundering, and worse. If Dean was involved with him, it’s no wonder things spiraled out of control.”

Tiffany’s face pales, her fingers tightening around mine. “You think my uncle was working with him?”

“The evidence is pointing that way,” I admit grimly. “People like Silva are experts at blackmail and coercion. It’s possible Dean got in over his head and couldn’t find a way out.”

“If Silva is as dangerous as you say, what does that mean for us? For Carter Corporation?”

I cup her face in my hands, forcing her to meet my gaze. “It means we tread carefully. Silva doesn’t take kindly to interference, and if he thinks you’re a threat or an asset, he’ll come for you without hesitation. That’s why we need to stay one step ahead and figure out what Dean owes Silva. I promise you, I’ll do everything in my power to protect you and your company’s reputation.”

Tiffany’s breath hitches, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. “And what if Silva comes after you? I can’t lose you, Adrien.”

I press a kiss to her forehead, my voice low and steady. “He won’t get close enough to try. I’ve dealt with men like him before. They’re predictable—greedy, arrogant, and reckless. The moment they think they’re untouchable is when they make their biggest mistakes. I’ll use that to our advantage.”

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