The press conference had been a masterclass in deception. Julian had stood before a sea of flashing bulbs, projecting the image of a concerned but unshakable CEO, while Elena stood three paces behind him, her skin still humming from the friction of the boardroom desk. To the world, they were the pinnacle of corporate excellence. To each other, they were co-conspirators in a blood-soaked game.
But as the black SUV pulled away from the curb of Vane Enterprises, the silence between them wasn't peaceful. It was heavy with the realization that the Vipers hadn’t just stumbled onto that shipment.
"Someone talked," Julian growled, his gaze fixed on the rain-streaked window. He had discarded his tie, and the top three buttons of his shirt were open, revealing the jagged edge of a tattoo he usual
