Page 99 of A Mistake of Worth
Jean’s voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “That’s when Father started getting worried. Alexandre told me Marc had been... experimenting on them too. Psychological games that kept escalating.” He swallowed hard. “Father had Marc evaluated by specialists when he was six. Antisocial personality disorder.”
The blood drained from Michael’s face. “And that’s when...”
“When Father struck the deal with Maximilien Rohan,” Jean finished. “Marc needed someone his own age to ‘play with’ to focus on. Someone who could teach him to mimic normal human behavior. The doctors said it was Marc’s only chance at functioning in society.”
Gabriel’s jaw clenched. “So Henri wasn’t just sold. He was prescribed.”
“To keep Marc from becoming a complete monster,” Jean said bitterly. “But Alexandre and Philippe... they still remember what Marc was like before Henri was able to stabilize him. They’rethe ones who told me the real family history when I got older. I somehow doubt the doctors meant for father to give Henri to Marc as he did, but... mais bon, c’est ça qui est ça.”
Despite everything, Gabriel’s lip quirked slightly. “Ellis has taught you too much of his French.”
“His shrugs are more honest than most people’s speeches,” Jean replied with a ghost of his usual theatrical flair.
The brief moment of levity faded as quickly as it had come.
“But if Marc’s been planning this for years,” Gabriel said slowly, the words tasting bitter, “then what if burning Olivier isn’t backing him into a corner? What if it’s handing him exactly what he wants?”
“The grieving son who reforms the family business,” Alain breathed, understanding dawning in his eyes.
“Exactly.” Jean nodded. “He’s been positioning himself as the clean heir for years.”
Michael turned from the window. “You think he’s been planning this?”
“I know he has,” Jean said with quiet certainty.
Gabriel’s jaw clenched. “So we might be building him the perfect exit strategy.”
“And Henri becomes what exactly?” Michael asked, his voice hollow.
Jean’s voice was small when he spoke. “Marc doesn’t keep things that don’t serve him.”
Michael’s chest tightened at the simple statement. Lucas’s hand moved protectively to the back of Jean’s neck.
“But Henri’s different,” Jean continued, his voice barely audible. “Marc’s... attached to him. Possessive. It’s not just business with Henri. It’s ownership. Marc would rather destroy Henri than let him go free.”
“Jesus Christ,” Michael whispered.
Nika’s fingers stilled on the keyboard. “If Marc’s been documenting his father’s activities while keeping himself clean...”
“He becomes the hero,” Lucas finished grimly. “The one who exposed the corruption and saved Three Rivers.”
“The board would love that story,” Alain added. “Especially if he can distance the company from the criminal elements while maintaining profitability.”
The world tilted under Michael’s feet. “So what do we do? If we move against Olivier, we might be playing Marc’s game. If we don’t move, Henri stays trapped.”
Jean shifted uncomfortably in Lucas’s lap. “We need to disrupt his timeline somehow. Marc’s plans work because he controls when things happen.”
“What are you thinking?” Gabriel asked.
“I don’t know,” Jean admitted, frustration creeping into his voice. “Maybe if I...”
“No.” Lucas’s voice was flat, final. “Whatever you’re about to suggest, the answer is no. You’re not putting yourself anywhere near Marc or that family.”
“‘That family’ is my family.” Jean’s jaw set stubbornly. “I am still a Saint-Clair. I could...”
“You could get yourself killed,” Lucas said, his arm tightening protectively. “Or worse. You’re staying right here where you’re safe.”
Gabriel nodded in agreement. “Lucas is right. Marc’s already proven he’s willing to use family members as assets. We’re not handing you back to him.”
