Leon’s POV
Hale’s voice cracked like dry thunder through the mic, slicing the low murmur of strings and crystal clinks from the guests. “V.”
The single bold letter scorched white-hot on the massive screen, searing my eyes after the soft flicker of candlelight. The glow pulsed once, bright enough to make my pupils snap tight.
I flicked my gaze to Julian. Quick and jagged.
For one raw heartbeat I thanked that fool’s hollow skull. He buried the full name. Veyron Corps still stayed swallowed in shadow. Unspoken.
I eased back into the chair. The leather sighed under me, warm from my body heat. Shoulders dropped heavy, muscles unclenching one by one like ropes slowly cut. My breath slid out long and ragged, tasting of stale champagne. The iron clamp around my gut loosened—just enough. Air t
