Page 71 of King of Rage

Everyone around the table fell silent.

Lucius stared at Xavier, his expression changing at once. The anger that had hardened his features moments ago shifted into something more serious, his gaze sharpening.

“Then what the fuck is going on between Shane and Stella?” he demanded. “Why did she tell me they were married?”

Xavier shrugged.

“That’s what I’m trying to find out. But it turns out Shane Garcia isn’t even his real name.”

Maverick leaned forward, his eyes flashing with interest as he fixed his attention on Xavier.

“What the fuck is going on? That’s not his real name?” He frowned. “He works at a hospital and is a doctor. Is that fake, too?”

“No,” Xavier replied. “That part is real. He’s an actual doctor. His name just isn’t Shane Garcia.”

He paused, allowing the information to settle before adding, “It’s Shane Herrera.”

Lucius’s gaze narrowed.

“Have you heard of Evermont Healthcare?” Xavier asked, raising his eyebrows. “The healthcare-products conglomerate that manufactures medicines, medical equipment, and other supplies for hospitals across the country?”

“Of course,” Maverick said. “Who the hell hasn’t heard of them? They’re one of the biggest names in the healthcare industry. Their products have been around for years, and they’re involved in everything from medical devices to hospital equipment.”

He frowned, clearly growing impatient.

“What the fuck does that have to do with Shane?”

Lucius remained silent, but his attention had sharpened. His fingers rested against the arm of his seat, his entire body still as he waited for Xavier to explain.

Xavier leaned back, a knowing look crossing his face.

“Well, he has everything to do with it. It turns out Shane is the owner of Evermont Healthcare. He has a sister named Allison, and the two of them own the company together. They each hold an equal share.”

Everyone around the table straightened.

Lucius’s eyes became more penetrating, his expression growing increasingly difficult to read.

“Then why the fuck is he living in a small apartment with Stella and introducing her as his wife?” he demanded.

His voice cut through the room.

“Why would Stella lie to me? Everyone knows they got married. The news was all over the city. People were talking about it.” His jaw clenched. “What the fuck is going on?”

He dragged a hand through his hair, the relief rushing through him tangled with fresh anger. It surged through his body like pressure building beneath a volcano, threatening to erupt even as he struggled to make sense of everything.

Lucius turned toward Xavier.

“Explain.”

Xavier nodded. “There’s something else. They also have ties to Blackwell Industries. There’s been talk that Blackwell has some of its men following Shane.”

Lucius’s expression changed immediately. His eyes sharpened, and the relaxed look disappeared from his face.

“Blackwell Industries?” His voice turned serious. “You mean Silas Black?”

Xavier nodded.

“Blackwell Industries?” Elias asked, his interest immediately sharpening. His expression turned serious as his eyes shifted toward Cassian. “Are they talking about Silas Black?”