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Caden curses. That’s not something we knew about. We knew that Caden has a trust fund he plans to use to get out of here. It explains William’s hold on Bruce and some of the rivalry they have now.

“What do you want us to do this time, William?” Mark steps in to protect Bruce. At least that’s what it looks like. “Should someone disappear? Or maybe we’ll grab someone they love and put them into that side business we all know you have. The women are all yours. If I ever get brought in for anything, I’ll fucking tell them about that. It’s fucking disgusting what you’re doing.”

“Providing a service.” William laughs. “You’re just jealous you didn’t think of it. Or is it because I didn’t ask you to be part of it? You might want to check yourself because everyone knows about your affair with Ewan Kim’s wife. Do you know what he’d do if he found out? Shall we call him and find out?”

William’s smile is evil. Mark staggers back like William punched him.

“You do realize I have dirt on all of you.” William tips his head slightly like he’s considering them. “It’s why you stay close. I have no delusions that your loyalty is anything but bought.”

“We used to be friends,” Mark argues.

William’s laugh is sharp. “Sure, and if I didn’t make you rich, you would have still stayed my friend. Give it a rest, Mark. I know what keeps people close.”

“Beating. Locking them in their rooms.” Bruce steps up and straightens to his full height. He’s taller and more built than William. “Is that how you kept Sloane? Are you going to do the same to Luke? Make him stay with you by force? Have you ever considered the only reason we stay with you is to watch out for that poor little motherless boy?”

Harper squeezes my hand before she releases it. She doesn’t hesitate to go to Luke and drop into his lap, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. There are angry tears in her eyes as she turns to watch the men who formed everything in our lives.

Luke loops his arms around her, but his gaze never leaves the screen. He’s dissecting every move, every interaction, just like I’m doing. William has always been ruthless. Even with his “friends.”

“He’ll learn. He won’t shy away from doing what needs to be done like the rest of you.” William laughs, but there’s no amusement on his face as he settles back on the hood of the car. “Luke will be everything I am and more.”

“We don’t have to do anything to Rob and Cam. Just let them go.” Mark runs a hand through his hair. He’s clearly trying to reason with William. “Let them live their lives. It’s not like they’ll tell on us. It would implicate them as well.”

“You afraid of the consequences that will happen if you leave, Mark?” William practically rubs his hands together in glee.

Mark’s eyes narrow and his lips press together before he opens his mouth.

“You think we don’t have shit on you too, William?” Mark steps forward. “I haven’t just sat back and dumbly watched you grow our empire. No, I’ve kept track. I have things that will make your head spin if you so much as spit in my direction.”

What the fuck does Nico’s father have on William, and how can we get ahold of it and use it?

There’s a slight clunk near the camera. The three men turn to look in the direction toward the lens. I lean forward to study what they do next. Is this when the accident happens?

“This location is secure?” Bruce laughs. “Nothing around you is secure, William.”

“It was just an animal.” William waves it off. “No one else knows about this.”

“Cam and Rob do.” Bruce smirks. “I told them. They need a chance to show up and defend themselves if you’re going to make them pay for leaving you.”

William doesn’t lose his cool, but there are cracks if you know where to look. I’ve been to too many dinners where Luke got under his father’s skin with little digs. It can be done. It’s just difficult and requires a scalpel not a dagger.

“You could have jeopardized everything.” William straightens. “They aren’t trustworthy anymore.”

“But you’ll let your son play with theirs?”

“Who else would I have him play with? The subpar children of the people we used to dominate in high school? Maybe I’ll let him play with a little girl like Nico does. The only saving grace that girl has is her genius father.” William’s smirk turns nasty. “What kind of man will Nico become?”

“A better one than a child that’s been abused by his father.” Mark doesn’t flinch as he says it. “What are you going to do when someone reports you?”

“I’d like to see them try. This town would fail without me. So they’ll do nothing because I’m disciplining my child to make him a better man. There’s nothing wrong with that.” William looks around.

“You need therapy,” Mark says quietly. William either doesn’t hear him or chooses not to react.

Bruce glances at Mark, and Mark shares a look with him. I can see why they fell apart. They’re truly nothing like us. We’re brothers who would do anything for each other. They’re cellmates, ready to stab each other in the backs if the right payout comes along.

“Speaking of the girl, we have another problem.” William straightens. “Sean found some inconsistencies.”

“Fuck.” Bruce runs a hand through his hair. “You were supposed to hide that shit so no one could find it.”