Page 74 of Daddy's Christmas Obsession
"What do you mean?"
"Research requires funding. Serious funding. The kind of money that universities and government grants can't provide, not for the really groundbreaking work." His eyes are already gleaming with the possibility. "But private funding... private funding can accomplish things that traditional channels never could."
"Private funding is hard to come by," I say carefully. "And it usually comes with strings attached."
"Not if the person providing the funding wants nothing more than to see the woman he loves achieve everything she's ever dreamed of."
Perfect. He's walking directly into the trap I've been setting since our first conversation about my research.
"Victor," I breathe, letting hope and disbelief war in my expression. "Are you saying...?"
"I'm saying that money is just a tool, sweetheart. It doesn't matter where it comes from—what matters is what you do with it." He cups my face in his hands, and the intensity in his eyes is intoxicating. "You want to save lives? You want to change the world? Let me help you do it."
I let tears gather in my eyes—not difficult, since there's genuine emotion behind them. "You would do that for me?"
"I would do anything for you," he says fiercely. "Anything at all."
"But your business associates... wouldn't they object to their money going toward medical research?"
Victor's smile is cold and predatory. "My associates don't get a vote on how I spend my personal wealth. And after yesterday, after seeing what you're capable of, I think they'll be very interested in staying on your good side."
The implications send a thrill through me. Not just funding for my research, but the protection and influence of his entire organization. I'll be able to accomplish things that no legitimate researcher could ever dream of.
"What kind of research?" I ask, though I already know the answer I want to give.
"Whatever you want. Cardiac regeneration, genetic therapy, cancer treatment—the sky's the limit when money isn't an object." He pauses, studying my face. "What would you choose, if you could do anything?"
This is it. The moment I've been building toward since I realized what Victor really wanted from me.
"Trauma surgery," I say without hesitation. "Emergency cardiac procedures, specifically. I want to develop techniquesand technologies that can save people who would otherwise die in the first hour after a heart attack or major trauma."
It's not a lie. It's been my dream since before I even knew Victor existed. But it's also strategically chosen—trauma surgery is high-profile, life-saving work that will earn respect and admiration. It will also require cutting-edge equipment and a dedicated facility, the kind of thing that will cost millions and make Victor look like a philanthropist rather than a criminal.
"That's perfect," Victor says, and I can see him already planning. "Absolutely perfect. You could save thousands of lives."
"It would require a lot of resources," I say carefully. "Not just funding, but equipment, staff, a dedicated facility..."
"Then that's what you'll have," he says without hesitation. "Whatever it takes."
I throw my arms around his neck, letting genuine gratitude and affection flood my voice. "I love you so much. I can't believe you'd do this for me."
"I told you yesterday," he murmurs against my hair. "You're my queen. Queens don't beg for scraps—they take what they want and make the world better for it."
As we lie there together, planning a future where his criminal empire funds my medical research, I can't help but marvel at how perfectly everything has worked out. Victor thinks he's corrupted me, turned me into his dark queen through manipulation and seduction. He has no idea that I've been just as calculating, just as strategic in getting what I want.
The difference is, my manipulations serve a higher purpose. His money will save lives. His power will protect important work. His influence will let me accomplish things that would be impossible through traditional channels.
I'm not just his dark queen—I'm going to be his conscience, whether he realizes it or not.
"When do we start?" I ask, already mentally designing the perfect research facility.
"Today," Victor says with the confidence of a man who's never been told no. "I'll make some calls, start putting things in motion. By Valentine's Day, you'll have everything you need."
I press a kiss to his chest, right over his heart. "Thank you. For seeing what I could become, for giving me the power to make it happen."
"Thank you," he counters, "for becoming exactly what I needed."
If only he knew how true that statement really is. I have become exactly what he needs—a partner who can match his cunning, who can think strategically about long-term goals, who can use power effectively.
