Page 128 of Silence and Surrender

“Twenty seconds,” Rodger called.

My hands went instinctively to my belly. Cooper was Colton's twin—his other half in a way I was only beginning to understand now that I carried twins myself. The ultrasound images had shown them reaching for each other, already connected in ways science couldn't fully explain. That same inexplicable bond had driven Cooper to leave his life in Tuscany the moment Colton needed him, had kept them synchronized through every phase of this dangerous operation despite working separately. I couldn't let Rodger destroy that connection. The thought of what losing Cooper would do to Colton was unbearable.

“Ten seconds.”

“I’m here.” I activated the intercom. “Let him go, and I’ll come out.”

“Isabella, no! Don’t you fucking dare!” Cooper struggled, only to have Rodger strike him with the butt of the gun.

“That’s better,” Rodger said. “Hands visible. Come to the main living area. Slowly.”

I took a deep breath and unlocked the panic room door. The hallway outside was empty. Moving carefully through the penthouse, I made my way to the living area. My heart pounded so hard I was certain Rodger would hear it.

When I entered the living room, Rodger stood waiting, Cooper still on his knees before him. Cooper’s eyes widened at the sight of me, his face a mask of regret and anger.

“Isabella Delacroix,” Rodger said. His eyes swept over me, pausing briefly at my midsection, where my loose blouse hid the small changes of my pregnancy. Something shifted in his expression—surprise, then a cruel smile. “Well, well. This is unexpected. Pregnant? How...interesting.”

“Let him go,” I said, keeping my distance. “This is between us.”

Rodger laughed, the sound devoid of humor. “I don’t think you’re in a position to negotiate.” He nodded to one of his men, who moved to secure the exits. His eyes returned to my stomach with a calculating look.

“I wonder,” he said, his voice silky with menace, “who the father is? Your old owner, perhaps? I’ve heard that he would sometimes grow...attached to his merchandise.” Rodger’s smile widened at my involuntary flinch.

I said nothing, keeping my face impassive despite the wave of nausea that had nothing to do with my pregnancy.

“No answer?” he taunted. “Perhaps it doesn’t matter. Your child will never know what happened to you, just as you never really knew what happened to your father. I have big plans for you, new owners that would be happy to add you to their collection.” He stepped closer.

Cooper suddenly lunged at one of Rodger’s men, creating a momentary distraction. I backed away, feeling utterly vulnerable, one hand instinctively moving to my belly.

The main door to the living area burst open with such force it slammed against the wall. Rodger reacted instantly, grabbing me and yanking me in front of him as a shield, the gun now pressed to my temple.

Colton stood in the doorway, his face displaying nothing but cold fury, his stance that of a predator. The lawyer was gone—in his place stood something far more dangerous. When he spoke, his voice was low, lethal.

“Get the fuck away from my wife!”

Rodger’s eyes widened, genuine shock registering on his face as he glanced between us, comprehension dawning.

“Moreau?” The gun wavered slightly. “Your wife? This is—”

Colton crossed the room in three long strides. Before Rodger could recover, Colton had seized his gun arm, twisting it with such force that Rodger howled in pain. The weapon clattered to the floor as Colton drove him to his knees with a single brutal movement.

“Her name is Isabella Moreau,” Colton growled, his hand at Rodger’s throat, his voice deadly calm. “My wife. The mother ofmychildren. You’ll never touch her again.” His eyes met mine across the room, fierce and protective. “Are you alright?”

“I’m okay,” I assured him, relief washing through me. “Perfect timing.”

As Rodger’s men recovered from the shock of Colton’s sudden attack, the backup team that Cooper had stationed outside the building burst through the service entrance. These were the reinforcements who’d been safely outside the gas attack perimeter. Within seconds, the penthouse was secure.

Cooper struggled to his feet, blood streaming from his temple, but his eyes clear as the effects of the gas were finally wearing off. “You waited long enough,” he muttered, eyeing Colton.

Rodger glared up from where Colton held him pinned, hatred burning in his eyes. “This isn’t over,” he growled.

“Actually,” Colton said, his voice cold as he maintained his grip, “it is. Interpol has seized your accounts. Your board members are being arrested. The evidence is secure.” He looked down at Rodger with undisguised contempt. “You lost.”

Cooper’s team took custody of Rodger, handling him with professional detachment despite his continued threats. As they escorted him out, he fixed one last venomous stare on me.

“You’re just like your father,” he spat.

I met his gaze steadily. “Thank you. That’s the greatest compliment you could give me.”

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