Page 52 of Sacrifice (Corrupt Empire 2)

“No. Did they have enemies?”

“Everyone in a position of power has enemies.”

His eyes met mine. I could see the warning in them. The one which told me not to cross him. Not to make him into an enemy. Problem was, he was already on my shit list. His time in this world was limited. Aiden would see to that. My boyfriend. The stone cold killer with a heart that only beat for me.

“You’d do well not to rock the boat any time soon. You’re going to be in charge and that’s a big responsibility to put on a twenty-year-old girl with no knowledge of how big business works.”

I didn’t move an inch or change my expression. Inside, I raged at his words. I might only be twenty, but I knew how sick and evil he was. I was walking a dangerous line when I agreed to take up my place as head of Daniels Holdings. So much rested on my ability to convince them I was capable and had no idea about what other shit they got up to.

“I’m sure it will be a steep learning curve, but with my uncle’s guidance, the company will continue to thrive.”

I had to become proficient in the art of bullshitting. I intended to destroy it all so they couldn’t hurt anyone else.

Aiden and I could’ve washed our hands of all of this. I was within my rights to appoint someone else to run the company and not be involved myself. Except I had a responsibility. I had to finish what Aiden had started. Together, we’d make sure they all crashed and burned for what they’d done.

“Of course, your uncle worked closely with your father.” He paused, his dark eyes appraising me. “I know you and your father discussed having one of your cousins work closely with you. Have you perhaps reconsidered my son for the role?”

I locked my muscles in place so I wouldn’t react. I should’ve known he’d bring that shit up, but I wasn’t prepared for it. It made me ill, sickness coiling in my stomach. Not only did it remind me of what Aiden originally wanted me to do, but I didn’t want to be anywhere near his son. Tristan was just as disturbed as his father.

“I’ve already decided to have Ed come work with me.”

I hadn’t, but he was the obvious choice. Dad kept mentioning him as the perfect candidate. It left me with the distinct impression my cousin knew about the human trafficking and sex ring my family kept under wraps.

Edward Daniels was my father’s cousin, Troy’s son. He was four years older than me. His sister, Lindsay, was only sixteen and not yet out of school. My cousins were all nice enough, but I had a tainted view of my family now. I couldn’t exactly see Ed in the same light any longer.

If Frazier was annoyed by me choosing my cousin over his son, he didn’t show it. He smiled at me, a gleam in his eye.

“A fine young man. He will be an asset to you.”

Ed knows. He has to know.

“I’m sure.”

I wanted Frazier to leave. He didn’t have any other reason to be here. My phone buzzed on the desk. I eyed it. Aiden sent me another message. I didn’t move to touch it.

“Well, I shall leave you to your day. The paperwork will be delivered before the board meeting,” he said.

“Thank you.”

He gave me a sharp nod before turning on his heel and striding out of my office. I let out a sigh of relief as soon as the door closed behind him. I pulled my phone off the desk.

AIDEN: Call me.

I sighed, leaning back in my desk chair. I was already rattled by Frazier’s presence. I didn’t need Aiden going off the deep end too. Things were already weird between us after I’d told him about James. A few days had passed and I was beginning to worry. Outwardly, nothing had changed, but I knew Aiden and his moods. It would grate on him. It was a question of when this would blow up in my face again, not if.

He’d get pissed off if I didn’t call him, but I also needed to call my cousin and speak to Uncle Charlie. I decided my boyfriend could wait. I was at work and that meant concentrating on doing the necessary. I stood, slipping my phone in my trouser pocket and walked out of my office.

Clara nodded at me when I stepped up to Uncle Charlie’s door.

“He’s free,” she said.

I turned the handle and walked in. He looked up from his computer, a frown immediately appearing on his face.

“Frazier was just here,” I said, walking over to the window and looking out.

Our offices were located on the top floor of the building. The views of the city spanned far and wide. The city of secrets and lies.

“Checking up on you no doubt,” my uncle replied.

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