Chapter 9 - The Shadow Benefactor
The private rooftop garden above the Pierre Hotel overlooked the shimmering dark expanse of Central Park.
Emily stood by the marble balustrade, taking a slow sip of sparkling water.
Dominic walked up behind her, setting a heavy manila folder on the glass table.
"Ryan is spiraling, Emily," Dominic noted quietly. "He spent the last four hours demanding audits on Apex."
"Let him audit," Emily replied, her voice cold as ice. "He will only find the trail of breadcrumbs I left for him."
"Are you sure you want to push him this far?" Dominic asked, leaning against the railing. "He still looks at you like you're his whole world."
Emily's hand trembled slightly around her glass, though her face remained an emotionless mask.
"He chose his empire over my life five years ago, Dominic," she said, looking out at the city skyline.
"No amount of regret can erase the five years my sons spent without a father."
A sudden footstep sounded behind the heavy rose bushes at the entrance of the garden.
Dominic reached into his tailored jacket, his hand resting on a concealed firearm.
"Who's there?" Dominic demanded, stepping forward to shield Emily.
May you like
Ryan stepped out from the darkness, his tuxedo tie undone, eyes bloodshot with raw grief and desperation.
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