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It’s just pulsating rage versus her silent mockery.
She knows what she’s insinuating is bigger than any backstab in empire history…
“Domino can counter that you are the weakest link. Replaceable. Unless you’re bringing an empire that is similar, if not higher in the ranks of wealth that can outbeat Leightons, you’re out of luck.”
When she smiles, it feels like my blood is boiling on high heat.
“Benedict is rich. Filthy rich. If he wants to get richer in the next three years, so be it, but you know how these royal shenanigans work. Especially at Leighton Royal University. Benedict’s money will only count at thirty-four percent, and if he ends up being the new ‘leader’ when Domino leaves the Ruthless Kings, it still won’t be enough to outweigh the odds.”
Leaving the Ruthless Kings.
“Domino’s not leaving us,” I whisper.
Yet, there’s not a single ounce of confidence there.
No. It’s fucking waging war within my heart that’s aching to be proven wrong. Begging that this is all but a mindfuck to get me to turn on my own.
We’re brothers. We’re family.
We’re supposed to be in this together.
“I’d agree with you, Ares, but…” She further lowers her voice, as though she’s saying the next words more out of sympathy than obligation. “The scary thing about Leightons is their loyalty is never absolute.”
We share a solid look.
“He has a way out.”
“Not that he knows of,” she whispers. “But… Daddy Leighton does.”
“Scarlett. You shouldn’t know shit.”
“I shouldn’t,” she agrees wholeheartedly. “Yet I know enough to come to this photoshoot, despite my injuries, to give you ahead’s up that the man you pledge allegiance to will betray you in a few years and will be gifted a way out from his proud Daddy Dearest because let’s be realistic.” She leans away and crosses her arms under her breasts. “We know that all Dommy boy wants is his father’s acceptance. Or should I say empire?”
She shrugs and laughs softly.
“Not sure he’s getting that one, though, but maybe his betrayal will be enough for Mr. Leighton to give him a way out and the empire he’s spent decades founding.”
I can’t think properly to say a good enough comeback.
“You don’t have to believe me, Albrecht. In fact, I’m not expecting you to. However, I think you should.” She looks at me from head to toe and doesn’t hide the true reflection of pity in her eyes. “When you sleep with the enemy, you can find their darkest secrets. Which I suggest you and Zander do a bit more digging on Mr. Leighton’s little obsession with your Maiden.”
Obsession… with Verena?
“He has nothing to do with her,” I mutter, my voice void of emotion. My face has to be a canvas of heartlessness.
“If that’s what you think, then maybe it’s fine if you lose everything,” Scarlett offers and laughs a little harder, enough to garner attention. “Why would Mr. Leighton wish for a way out of a contract originally signed to favor his legacy passed to his heir?”
I don’t need time to think of the answer.
“When it no longer benefits the legacy.”
“Now, why would that be?” she offers but doesn’t let me answer her question. “It must mean something went awry OR something was overlooked. A shunned piece of the puzzle.”
She turns away and flicks her red locks, which bounce with the movement.
“I’ve wasted enough of my life span. That should entertain my client and give me a nice paycheck to pay for my one-on-one care in Turkey. Mind you, this was recorded, but unlike your little ruthless snake, Dom, I actually try to carry a pinch of loyalty. Despite us not having an alliance.”
I figured she’d be recording the conversation, but that just proves one solid truth.
