We watch him walk out the door, and once he’s gone, I release a harsh breath.
“I think it’s time for cake,” I say, trying to lighten the mood, only there’s no use because the afternoon has been ruined, and thanks to Kane, so has my entire future.
5
Kane
This wasn’tthe goddamn plan.
The plan I’d spent years formulating and executing.
The plan was to fuck over the Antonovs and Russos the way they fucked my father over.
I waited patiently for the right time, and when the parcels became available and I learned what Dominick and Lorenzo were planning, I slid in quietly and scooped up twenty acres, knowing it would hurt their plans just like they hurt my father’s business.
Section 8 housing would be a nightmare for their beloved waterfront expansion.
But after doing my research and learning how profitable the expansion would be, I tucked away my emotions and thought like the businessman my father had taught me to be.
He should’ve been part of that expansion.
And so we will be.
I could’ve accomplished what I needed to without her.
But after tasting her cunt and being buried deep inside her, I knew I needed to make her mine.
And why shouldn’t I?
That was the deal—Daniella marries an Antonov and Brielle marries a Rothschild.
I’m righting the wrong.
Taking what my family is owed.
It’s nothing personal.
6
Brielle
“I spoketo our team of lawyers, and there’s no other way. With Kane owning the twenty acres adjacent to the waterfront property, if he goes through with the Section 8 housing, property values will tank.” Dominick scrubs his hands over his face, stress evident in his features. “I think we should call the whole thing off.”
“And lose the millions you’ve already invested?” I point out.
We’re sitting in Dominick’s downtown office. I was at my morning Pilates when he texted me, asking me to meet him, Matteo, and Lorenzo to go over what his lawyers told him. It’s only been two days since Kane threw the bomb at us and walked away, but Dominick didn’t waste a minute trying to figure a way out of this mess.
“I’d rather lose millions than get into bed with that asshole.” Dominick huffs.
“And what about the other investors?” I mention. “You’ll piss them off and burn so many bridges.”
“He’s a smart businessman,” Lorenzo points out, making Dominick and Matteo glare at him. “I’m just speaking as a businessman,” Lorenzo says, putting his hands up. “Joseph’s company was failing because our fathers were slowly pushing him out. When he died, Kane not only saved it, but it’s now a Fortune 500 company with a pristine reputation. I had Eddy look up his connections.” Hewhistles. “Fucking impressive. He’s got contracts with several large development companies, including a few that we work with. If we pull the plug on this project, it will cost us billions, not millions.”
“Yet he wants to taint it by joining forces on this project.” Dominick scoffs.
“He wants revenge,” I correct. “And to get what his family was promised. You guys own the largest real estate development companies in South Florida—hell, maybe even the East Coast. He saw a way to hit two birds with one stone and took it.”
“Maybe we can convince him that we’ll do business with him without involving Brielle,” Lorenzo says. “He doesn’t have to marry her to get what he wants.”
