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And for the first time since arriving here, I begin to understand something.

There are two kinds of violent men in our world.

Men who wield their strength to prey on the innocent, craving the fear in their victims’ eyes because it makes them feel powerful.

And then there are men like these.

Men who willingly become monsters for those they love.

Men who would burn entire cities to the ground until nothing remains but ash to protect their family.

My gaze drifts to Alex as he smiles down at Clara with so much love in his eyes.

And for the first time in my life…

I find myself hoping I ended up with the right kind of monster.

Chapter sixteen

Alex

Forty-six monitors stare back at me, and that doesn’t even account for the seven I unplugged after consolidating the surveillance feed into fewer screens.

Hours of overhauling, reconfiguring, and rebuilding it piece by piece have left me with something far more refined than what I started with—something impenetrable and untouchable by any hacker in the world.

Except for me, of course.

I’ve spent two solid days ensuring every document is secure, every bank transaction is untraceable, and every video feed is perfect. The sore neck and back are proof enough.

Squeezing my shoulder, I let out a groan. My body is tight from sitting in this chair for so long, and my back aches as I stand and stretch my arms above my head. Maybe a long swim in the ocean might help loosen my muscles.

“Finished already?” Marco asks, descending the stairs.

I nod. “Everything is set. When you finally hire a replacement, let me know, and I can go over everything with them.”

He walks over, staring at the screens. “I appreciate that.” He sighs. “Owning too many houses has its cons.”

I grin. “There are worse problems you could have.”

“True.” He leans closer to one of the screens, the one showing Charlotte and Clara playing in the shallow pool. They laugh as Charlotte lifts Clara before dunking her feet in the water. A strange warmth spreads through my chest. “Seems like your daughter is a fan of…the nanny.”

He peers over his shoulder at me, gauging my reaction.

But I don’t react. I keep my composure, appearing unfazed. “Charlotte is very fond of Clara.”

He steps back. “And you?”

I arch a brow. “And me?”

His lips curve up slightly. “Don’t try to hide it, cousin. We all see the way you look at her.”

I shove my hands inside my pockets, irritation spreading across my chest. “I’m not hiding anything.” My molars grind together, my jaw tensing.

Marco raises a questioning brow, seeing right through me.

“I’m helping her get the freedom she’s asked for. That’s all.” I take a steady breath, my eyes briefly closing. When I open them, I stare at Charlotte on the screen. Her beautiful smile stretches across her face, her eyes shining with so much adoration for my daughter. “She’s been caged like a bird for the past few years, and she deserves a chance at freedom. And I’m going to give it to her.”

Because I’d give her the whole damn world if I could.