Angus Stone had been placed in charge of the Illuminati in its newest iteration, but there was someone else pulling his strings, someone his grandfather actually feared. And as soon as Jacob discovered who that was, he’d begin the final stages of his plan to completely remove the geezers in power and install himself over all. But he needed to tread carefully, ensure his allies were in place before he made his move. If there’s one thing his political career had taught him, it was that this sort of maneuvering had to be managed with precision, or it could go to hell in an instant.
Jacob blinked his eyes slowly, bored with his grandfather’s ceaseless bellowing. “Is there anything else?”
“As a matter of fact”—his grandfather leaned back, his face now partially veiled in shadow—“you will call off those fanatical brothers, Stefan and Demetrius Shepherd. They’re impossible to control. I don’t want them anywhere near you or our operations.”
Before he could check his reaction, Jacob flinched in surprise at his grandfather’s knowledge of his affairs. “How did you know about the Shepherds? You have amolein my security detail?”
“Did you expect anything less after the debacle last year over the treasure?” he countered. “I also know that you’ve been in contact with the Russians regarding Jack Grayson. Do you really want to make an enemy of him, Jacob?”
Jacob felt that damnable sinking in the center of his gut at the reminder of his betrayal. “I’m afraid I’ve already done so, Grandfather. The moment he learned of my involvement in trying to steal the treasure, there was no hope of things ever being the same between us. I guess we have to allow old emotional encumbrances to fall away if we’re to truly succeed in achieving our goals. But then you’d know all about that, wouldn’t you? Family . . . friends. What do they matter if they impede your ascension to greatness? Am I right?”
Now it was the old man’s turn to look nonplussed. “Tread carefully, Jacob. Your ambition is admirable but dangerous. One day it’ll controlyou.”
Jacob flashed his grandfather his practiced politician’s grin. “Well, I guess the apple doesn’t fall far and all that.” He then raised his brows expectantly. “Will that be all? I have a beautiful wife waiting naked in my bed, so if you have nothing further . . .”
Angus Stone shook his head. “Yes, go. Go before I regret my decision not to punish you.”
Jacob inclined his head and offered a mocking salute before turning on his heel and striding from the chamber, his footsteps echoing in the silence.
