“My cousin works for Stanton Investment Group,” Ryder adds. “Let me call him tonight.”
I look around at their determined faces and feel something shift inside me. The weight I’ve been carrying alone suddenly feels lighter, distributed across shoulders beyond just mine.
“I have to handle this myself,” I state.
“You don’t,” Cora says simply. “Not anymore.”
I stare at their faces, feeling something unfamiliar tighten in my chest. For my entire life, I’ve solved my own problems. Built my empire brick by brick, handled every crisis alone. People are assets or obstacles—never safety nets.
“I appreciate the gesture,” I say, my voice rougher than intended, “but this isn’t your problem to fix.”
Ryder leans forward. “That’s bullshit, Dom.”
My jaw clenches at the challenge. “Excuse me?”
“We’re in this together now.” He gestures between all four of us. “Pike isn’t just coming after you. He’s targeting all of us. So, we fight back together.”
The concept feels foreign, like trying on clothes that don’t quite fit. I’ve never relied on anyone. Not since my father made it clear that weakness wasn’t tolerated in the Vega household. “I don’t need?—”
“Nobody said need,” Liam interrupts, eyes shrewd. “But tactical advantage? Four against one improves our odds considerably.”
I take another swallow of wine, feeling exposed. The urge to retreat behind my walls is overwhelming.
“Dominic.” Cora’s voice is soft. Her fingers intertwine with mine across the table. “Yesterday, you helped me carry my burden. Let us help carry yours.”
“This isn’t how I operate,” I admit finally. The confession leaves me feeling strangely light. “I handle things myself. Always have.”
“And how’s that working out for you?” Ryder asks, no judgment in his voice, just quiet understanding.
“I don’t know how to do this,” I confess, the words barely audible.
“Do what?” Cora asks.
“Depend on people.”
“Depend on people?” Cora’s eyes widen slightly. She withdraws her hand from mine, sitting straighter. “I have a solution.”
“What solution?” My voice comes out sharper than intended.
“My trust fund.” Her words land like a grenade on the table. “It’s worth thirty-eight million. Not the full forty, but enough to stabilize your position while you secure the rest.”
I stare at her, stunned. “Absolutely not.”
“Why not?” she challenges, chin lifting in that stubborn way I’ve come to recognize. “It’s my money. I can do what I want with it.”
“It’s not about the money,” I say through gritted teeth. “I don’t take handouts.”
“It’s not a handout,” she counters. “It’s an investment. Make me a partner.”
Liam raises an eyebrow. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea.”
“Stay out of this,” I growl.
“No, he won’t,” Cora says firmly. “None of us is staying out of anything anymore. That’s the whole point.”
I push away from the table, needing space, but Ryder’s voice stops me.
“Dom.” Just my name, but something in his tone makes me pause. “Would you turn down any other investor with thirty-eight million?”
