And I was dying quietly inside, because I already knew what came next. I’d have to end things with Madeline.
Not because I wanted to.
Because I needed her alive.
Because Damius would watch every grandson closer now. Waiting for weakness. Waiting for a reason.
Every step toward the jet felt heavier. But I knew, with absolute clarity, that the dynasty had drawn its line. And Madeline was on the wrong side of it.
Unless I found a way to claim her in a way even Damius couldn’t rewrite.
A dynasty-level plan. A way to keep her. Permanently. Legally.
But until I figured out how to pull off the impossible—I’d have to let her go. Even if it split something vital inside me to do it. Then do everything to get her back as wife. That was the onlyway I’d survive this. Let her got, temporarily, then pull her back forever.
44
Vince
I stepped inside and it felt like walking into the wrong life, one I no longer deserved. And there she was.
Madeline.
On her stomach across my bed in one of my shirts. The TV was paused on some dynasty gossip show, screen frozen mid-frame. She must’ve paused it the second she heard the elevator.
Her face lit up the instant she saw me. Like the whole day had been a countdown to that door opening.
“Hi,” she smiled, pushing up on her elbows and opening her arms. “You’re back.”
Fuck.
Something tore in my chest so hard my knees almost went out. I could still smell her shampoo on the sheets from this morning. I could still feel her asleep on my chest. I’d told her I loved her with my mouth pressed to her hair, and now I was about to do this.
She sat up fully, excitement all over her face, and that was the moment I knew I was about to destroy her. And she had no idea.
“Vince?” Her smile dimmed when I didn’t move toward her. “What happened?”
I swallowed the truth until it burned.
Damius. The chamber. That girl on the floor. The cousin screaming. The way my brothers had looked at me. The message I could hear under every word.
If he thinks you love her, you’ll watch her die.
“Madeline.” My voice came out rough. I forced it flat. “You should go.”
Her forehead creased. “Go? Go where?”
“Home.”
Confusion flickered first. Then something like dread.
“I don’t understand. Did something happen?”
“Yes.” More than you will ever know. “Go pack your things.”
She flinched like I’d struck her. “Did I… do something wrong?”
No. You’re perfect. You’re everything.
