Blood and Diamonds

nd the luxury and wealth, darkness loomed. The city was a labyrinth, where power wa

glow over the room. He leaned back in his chair, eyes cold and calculating as he surveyed the documents before him. Deals

ng his concentration. A single glance at the s

lla C

was

e, a necessary piece in his quest to cement the Varkari Syndicate's grip on Veridale. Her father had died suddenly, leaving behind a fortune and a tangled web of unfin

la Cortez was beautiful, with dark eyes that held secrets and a mind as sharp as a blade. She wasn't

fice swung open, a

walked into the room like a woman who knew how to handle herself. Her black dress clung to her silhouette, her dark hair cascading

alm but laced with an edge. "I'm sor

s from him. "No need to apolog

the tension in her posture, the way her hands grippe

ready knew what they said. The deal was already in m

our father's company will merge with the Varkari Syndicate, and in return, you'

ession. "I'm aware. But you're also aware that my father ne

tended it, but circumstances have changed. You're all that's left. I'm offering y

And what do you want in retu

inic's lips. She was perceptive, no doubt

resources, combined with the Syndicate's influence. But more than that, Miss

rd rolling off her tongu

I want you. In every way. We'll need to formalize

the calm mask slipping fo

ep to securing this deal. Your family's business will be fully integrated int

chair, crossing her a

efuse, the deal falls apart. Your father's legacy will be in jeopardy, and

ent, staring at him with a m

ic," she said, her tone colder than befor

tever you like. The reality is the

hat if I don't fall in line? What if I

ee of the Syndicate, Miss Cortez. Not now. Not ever. This city belongs to us. You either stan

her jaw tightening. "I don't

lied softly.

ding her every movement. She was calculating, just like him, but

gain, neit

ract. I'll play the part. But don't think for a second that I'm doing this because I t

reeping onto his face. "I never expected you to