Page 160 of The Protégé

“The entire ordeal made me feel small. On the one hand I knew it was wrong of me to envy her. On the other hand, I questioned my boyfriend’s true feelings for me. I was just a mess.” She released a sigh. “I know it sounds stupid.”

“Being honest with yourself isn’t stupid, Elena. It’s courageous. I would rather know the truth than assume something that isn’t true. If more people were honest with their feelings, more relationships would last. Keeping your feelings hidden wouldn’t help me or you. Thank you for telling me, and I’m sorry for not seeing how my actions affected you. It wasn’t my intention.” I got up from the table, pulled my chair beside her, sat down, and wiped her tears with my handkerchief.

“It’s okay. You didn’t know.”

“You areeverythingto me, Elena. Always remember that, okay?” I touched her chin and waited for her to respond. When she nodded, I continued, “I reacted that way because I realized Kate didn’t commit suicide like I had thought all these years. My cousins—not by blood—killed her. The shock and guilt of it blinded me.”

Elena sucked in a breath, and regret swam in her eyes. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

I told Elena that Kate got her justice. Jonah was now dead. The Trogyn had gotten to Jonah on his way to court. His biological father, who was an elite member of the crime organization, was discovered in his swimming pool. The news stations reported that he’d drowned, but the boys and I knew the truth. This was The Trogyn’s MO—eliminate all threats.

As for Chantel, she was found dead in her car from a self-inflicted wound. The Trogyn had also gotten to her, making it seem like a suicide. Sabrina was still awaiting trial because she wasn’t part of The Trogyn. I knew she feared for her life.

Though Elena already knew who was behind the fake videos of me, I had to show her the power of AI. I turned on my phone and gave it to her. “Watch this.”

The video showed me and her taking a stroll downtown Boston yesterday during a charity event that truly occurred. But we weren’t there physically. We were also on the fake evening news with an AI reporter that looked just like the current anchor for Channel 7 News.

“Wow. That’s all AI?”

I nodded. “A picture says a thousand words. With the rise in AI, those words can become dangerous. If the technology is used improperly, you’ll believe things that aren’t real.”

“You can frame people for crimes or create fake alibis.” Her brows furrowed.

“The world is becoming more dangerous, which is why my company is a few steps ahead to counter this artificial intelligence. Computers do what we tell them to.”

“You’re the most brilliant man I know, and I know you’ll do your best to stop them.” She smiled. “The world is a better place because of you.”

At one point in time, I didn’t believe it. But now Elena had made it easy for me to believe in that and more.

With the help of Attikus, Forrest, Remi, Grayson, Royce, and Arrow, The Trogyn had taken a big hit. Two Hollywood producers involved in a sex trafficking ring had been arrested; a pharmaceutical company selling dangerous diet pills had been exposed; and a hotel hosting illegal gambling as well as several elite clubs around the world just closed down. All the bank scam accounts had led to a bank in Switzerland, which was whereall the lawsuits were going to. I had no doubt that the bank belonged to The Trogyn.

“I know that fake video of me and Chantel shattered your heart. The company that created that video no longer exists.”

“Excellent.”

“Are we good now?” I asked her.

I could almost see the stress on her face dissolve, making her smile softer and brighter.

“Yes.” She cupped my face. “I’m sorry you had to deal with so much stress.”

“You did too. But anxiety doesn’t cripple me like it used to. All I have to do is think of you and the stress is reduced exponentially. You’re a miracle.”

“We’re essential parts of each other.” She smiled. “Like a complex lock that requires a unique key. I used to fear that our relationship wouldn’t work out.”

“Why?” I pouted.

“Because we come from different worlds. You’re organized, and I’m not. You grew up with wealth, I didn’t. You’re used to that posh lifestyle, and I’m more comfortable in jeans and old T-shirts.”

“You’re wealthy now too. Pablo left you millions.”

“But I’m giving half of that to my mom so she can enjoy her life. She can go on vacation whenever and wherever she wants. I know she’ll donate to charities too. I’ll need your help to invest the rest. But I won’t splurge because I’m still me. I know what it’s like to have nothing, so I’m careful with finances.”

“It works for us because we’re different. Opposites aren’t a bad thing. We complement each other like an inhale and an exhale. Night and day. Sun and Moon.” I grinned. “Right foot and left foot. I can’t walk with two left feet.”

“Why are you so adorable?” She pinched my cheek.

“Because loving you has transformed me.” I grasped her hand. “Come with me.”