"A child gives me a future," I snarl. "And I will burn every single one of you to ash to ensure that future is secure. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Chen says immediately. "We understand."
"Loud and clear, Boss," Diego says, pale.
I pull O’Malley’s head up. His face is a ruin. Blood pours from his nose and mouth. His hand is nailed to the table.
"Get him out of here," I order. "He loses his territory. Divide it between the Triad and the Kings."
"Silas..." O’Malley weeps.
"And O’Malley?" I lean down. "If you ever mention my child again... I will feed you your own tongue."
Two guards drag him out, screaming.
I take a handkerchief from my pocket. I wipe a speck of blood from my hand.
I look at the remaining men.
"Anyone else have an opinion on my parenting skills?"
Silence. Absolute, terrified silence.
"Good," I say. "Meeting adjourned."
I retreat to my office.
I lock the door.
My hands are shaking. Not from the violence—that was easy. That was reflex.
They are shaking from the realization.
The leak.
O’Malley knew about the baby. He knew about the medical equipment.
It wasn't a guess. Someone told him.
I sit behind my desk. I pull up the security logs for the penthouse.
Dr. Aris? No. I have blackmail on him that would put him in prison for life. The nurses? Maybe. James?
No.
I look at the roster of the cleaning staff. The catering staff.
There are too many people. Too many eyes.
I built a fortress, but I filled it with strangers because I wanted Ivy to be comfortable. I wanted her to have luxury.
Luxury is a vulnerability.
I grab my phone. I call Luca.
"Yeah, Boss?"
"Fire everyone," I say.
