Page 158 of Ruthless God

His lips curve into a slow, wicked smile. “It means Blanc will fall by his own hands.”

The words send ice through my veins. Because Claudius doesn’t make empty threats. And yet… there’s something deeper here. Something he hasn’t said yet.

I wet my lips, forcing myself to ask the question I’m not sure I want answered. “How?”

His smile widens.

“He’s going to get exactly what he fears most.” A slow, deliberate pause. And then, he says, “The truth.”

“What do you mean? What did you do?”

Claudius chuckles. And it’s dark. Cold. So unlike the man I’ve shared a bed with for nearly a month.

“I gave the right people the right information.” His gaze locks onto mine. “And by tomorrow morning, the entire world will know who Charles Blanc really is. And the Brotherhood will fall.”

“You exposed them?”

Claudius tilts his head, as if the question amuses him.

“I didn’t just expose them. I put a target on their backs.” His smirk sharpens. “And now? The people they’ve been hiding from? The enemies they thought they buried? They’re coming.”

“No.” My voice is barely a whisper.

“Oh yes, mama.” His eyes gleam. “I made sure every single name, every deal, every secret transaction… It’s all out there. And there is nothing Blanc can do to stop it.”

The weight of his words crashes into me and I feel like I’m drowning. Like I’m suffocating on something I can’t take back.

Because if what he’s saying is true—if he really did leak everything—then this isn’t just about Blanc anymore.

It’s about Lili and Dimitri. The other Elite Members.

“Innocent people will be hurt.”

My voice trembles because I know it’s true. This isn’t just about exposing the corrupt. This isn’t just about vengeance. This is war. And war doesn’t care who gets caught in the crossfire.

“Innocent people already have been.” He shakes his head, his expression hardening. “So many people that the world never knew about. But they will tomorrow.”

I can’t stop him. It’s too late for that. But there’s something else gnawing at me. Something I need to say.

I lift my chin, meeting his gaze head-on. “And what about you?”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.” I let out a bitter laugh. “You’re in the Brotherhood. You’re going to fall, too.”

The words hang in the air. But Claudius… he doesn’t look surprised. Doesn’t look afraid. He just smiles.

“So be it. I’m ready to face the punishment for my sins.”

A chill rolls through me. I force the words past my tight throat. “And what are your sins?”

His lips curve into a slow, wicked smile.

“I believe your father should be here for that conversation.”

My pulse thrums. But before I can push further, he keeps going.

“Let’s go. Your dear-old-dad is waiting for us.”

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