“More than possible.” Leo added. “The way he looked at you that first day—like he recognized you. And his reaction during the board meeting, demanding you be pushed out—that was personal.”
I sank back onto the sofa, my mind racing through memories. I remembered Henri’s face when he first saw me. The hatred in his eyes. The way he’d said “that woman” with a bitterness etched in fury.
“If he knew my mother…” I said slowly.
“We don’t know anything for certain,” Leo said gently, sitting beside me. “Hopefully your friend will help us find the truth.”
Orion’s phone rang.
“Kolykos,” he answered. His expression turned darker. “Well, call Henri Saltz, Mitchell. I’m sure he can answer your questions.” His face turned expressionless as the other end of the call continued. “Well, Mitchell, instead of trusting us, you went off the deep end and announced you wanted your money. This is the result of that. I’m sorry. I can’t help you.”
In an uncharacteristic moment of rudeness, he clicked off the call.
“Well, you told him,” said Leo. “Now tell the rest of Vegas.” He turned the phone to us to see the news of the Kolykos brothers’ current fortunes splashed across social media.
I leaned forward to read the headlines scrolling across Leo’s screen:
Olympus Royale in Crisis: Founding Brothers Ousted
Henri Saltz Takes Control After Board Vote
Kolykos Empire Crumbles: What Went Wrong?
The comments section was predictably vicious:
Guess sleeping with employees has consequences.
About time someone held these billionaire playboys accountable.
Henri Saltz is a hero for standing up to corruption.
But mixed in with the vitriol were other voices:
This feels like a hostile takeover, not accountability.
Why is NO ONE asking who leaked that private video?
The timing is too convenient. Something else is going on here.
“#JusticeForTashi is trending,” Leo said, scrolling further. “People are questioning the timing. ‘As a longtime patron of Olympus Royale, I can attest to the K bros’ unwavering commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences. I didn’t believe the allegations of money laundering, and I don’t believe these new claims either.’ Another line, from the same poster—‘Something is going on, and it’s not wrongdoing by the K bros.”
“Won’t matter if we can’t prove it,” Orion said grimly. “Public opinion doesn’t win Gaming Commission hearings.”
“Speaking of which,” I said, my voice small. “The hearing is in two days. What happens now? Do you even have to appear if you’re not management anymore?”
“We’re still majority shareholders,” Orion said. “And the allegations involve us directly. We’ll be there.”
“And so will I,” I added.
“Tashi—” Leo started.
“No. I’m not hiding while you face the Gaming Commission.”
Orion studied me for a long moment. “The hearing will be brutal. Wilder will make it about misconduct, inappropriate relationships, and abuse of power. He’ll paint you as a victim or a seductress—whichever narrative does more damage.”
“I know.”
“They’ll ask invasive questions,” Leo continued gently. “About our relationship. About consent and the elevator footage. It won’t be easy.”
