“Files on hundreds of powerful people across many different industries go public.She’s been in business a long time–of course she’s prepared for discovery.She checks in every seventy-two hours, or the files go public.Your pride and joy, The Sanctuary, becomes fully exposed.As I understand it, your membership will evaporate.But, like I said, you are only a piece of the collateral damage.d’Avricourt Luxe… We have secrets we’re better off not coming to light.If this business came out, we’d face lawsuits, there might be an investigation, it’s not a good look and doesn’t reflect well on our creators.But our issues are mild compared to other clients.The investigation needs to stop.”She clutches her prized, rare $250,000 handbag to her chest.“No one says it outright, but this runs deeper than Magpie.Multiple interests will protect the entity at any cost.”
She stops at the door, voice soft as perfume.“Oh—and Adrien?They already know about Brie Anderson.You’re not a good liar.Don’t be stupid.”
With the click of the door, understanding settles like a verdict I’m not yet ready to read aloud.
If I continue to help Brie and the KOAN team, I risk severing myself from my family and doing lasting damage to the d’Avricourt name.If I stop—if I play along—I might save the business, but I’ll lose something far more permanent.
Either way, The Sanctuary takes the hit.
Margot didn’t come to negotiate.She came to make sure I understood that whatever choice I make next will cost me everything I thought I could protect.
There is no clean exit.Only timing.
Margot believes I’ll choose blood over truth.Moira believes I’ll choose leverage over conscience.And somewhere between them, Brie is already marked as collateral.
The only question left is how long I can let them believe I’m still playing their game.
ChapterTwenty-Six
Brie
Macon Chen is maybe two inches shorter, but broader through the shoulders—built for power.A worthy adversary.
His strength is obvious, but it’s not what gives me pause.It’s the way he studies the room, the stillness in his stance, arms loose at his sides, fingers slightly spread.Ready.
His hair is cropped into coarse, tight curls, his skin dark; his eyes give away a mixed heritage—Black, Asian.Useful information, but incomplete.His background is in my briefing materials, and I should have gone deeper.
The way he studies me now tells me he’s doing the same math.
Once upon a time, I could meet someone without immediately calculating the best way to incapacitate them.But that was before this life chose me.
“You said Adrien is joining us?”he asks.
We’ve already exchanged names—and we’re alone.It’s before lunch, but I can’t help but wonder about his staff.Are they missing in action with Eddie Thorne?
“Adrien said he’d be delayed for about five minutes.”Macon doesn’t move, his gaze steady.“His sister surprised him with a visit.”
“Ah.Margot?”He asks it as if he’s trying to remember her name.
“Yes.That’s the one.”
“Well, have a seat.”He gestures to an office chair on wheels that’s currently pushed up against a desk.I pull it out and, as I do so, he pulls a different chair and sits.His gaze flicks to the monitors, all currently capturing various doorway entrances and corridors.“I take it if Adrien sent you, he doesn’t have a problem with your observing.”
“I wouldn’t know what I’m looking at anyway,” I say, offering a smile.It’s a half-truth.I’m not big on pop culture, and while I would likely recognize any politicians or business power players, any celebrities would likely be unrecognizable to me.
“Is that right?”he asks, flicking imaginary lint off his trousers.“What is it you do?”
“I’m a consultant,” I answer with a practiced smile.“Corporate risk assessment.Mostly boring compliance stuff, but it pays well.”Our plan is to notify Macon that Eddie’s employment is terminated and to sit back and watch and learn.“Today was my first time meeting Margot.I think Adrien sent me ahead of him to give him a chance to let his sister know about me.”
“And what exactly is he letting her know?”
“Oh.That we’re dating,” I say, playing the part of proud, new girlfriend, all the while knowing full well if Macon is complicit with Eddie, then there’s a good chance he’s aware my apartment was broken into and that he knows exactly who I am.
“Ah.I’ve only met Margot once.She’s a firecracker.”
“She’s protective of her brother.”
He shifts his legs and his seat twists with the movement.
