"Cyber team's been on it all night. They're working backwards from Julien's accounts, peeling away the LLC layers." The sound of typing comes through the line. "Regular payments. Same amount every month. Started right around when Julien joined Dominion."
Right when Armand started positioning himself for another run at the CEO position. Right when the board was considering the Gulf acquisition that would cement Simone's control of the company.
"We need solid proof it's Armand," I say. "Not just suspicion."
"We're close. The cyber team thinks they'll have the connection within hours." His tone hardens. "Once we tie the shell corp to Armand or one of his subsidiaries, we've got him for conspiracy, attempted murder, and likely Julien's execution."
"He'll fight it. Deny everything. Attack Simone's credibility."
"Let him try. We've got surveillance equipment, financial records, witness testimony from you about the kidnapping. And once Andy finishes processing the crime scene, we'll have ballistics and forensics that help build the timeline. Armand can deny all he wants—the evidence speaks for itself."
He's right. But I can't shake the feeling that we're still missing something.
"I'm heading back to the estate," I tell Remy. "Keep me updated on the financial forensics. The moment you have solid proof connecting Armand to the shell corp, I want to know."
"Will do." He pauses. "Luc. You care about her."
Not a question.
"She's my responsibility."
"That's not what I said." His voice carries that older brother tone that sees straight through tactical framing. "You care about her. More than just keeping an asset alive."
I could deny it. Should deny it. Maintaining distance is standard protocol for protection details. Getting emotionally involved compromises judgment.
But I'm already compromised. Have been since Dominion. Since I felt her finally let go and surrender for real.
"Yeah. I care."
"Good. Because she's going to need more than just protection to get through what's coming. She's going to need someone who gives a fuck whether she survives this intact."
He's right. When we confirm Armand orchestrated everything—the surveillance, the threats, Julien's obsession weaponized against her—that's going to cut deeper than any physical threat.
"I'll keep you posted," Remy says before ending the call.
The drive back to the estate takes longer than it should. Early morning traffic, commuters heading into the city, normal people living normal lives while I'm calculating how to tell Simone that we're close to proving her uncle tried to destroy her.
The guest house is quiet when I arrive. Derek is posted outside, gives me a nod as I approach.
"She's inside," he says. "Been in there since I brought her back. Hasn't come out, hasn't opened windows or doors. Following protocols."
"Good. You're clear to leave. I've got her from here."
Derek heads back to his vehicle. I unlock the guest house door, step inside.
Simone's sitting at the kitchen table. Clean jeans, oversized sweater, hair pulled back in a ponytail. Face scrubbed clean. She looks young without the CEO armor. Vulnerable.
She stands when she sees me. "Luc. You shouldn't have left the hospital. The doctor said?—"
"I'm fine." I close the distance. "How are you?"
"I'm—" She stops. Starts again. "Julien's dead because of me."
"Julien's dead because someone executed him. Not your fault."
"But if I hadn't gone to Dominion—if I'd just stayed away?—"
I pull her against me. She goes rigid for half a second, then her arms come up around my waist and she's holding on like I'm the only thing keeping her upright.
