Chapter 8 - THE MAN BEHIND THE PEACE AGREEMENT
The truth about the Doyle family was worse than anyone expected.
Graham's father, Patrick Doyle, had spent years building alliances across Chicago's criminal underworld.
The peace agreement with Vincent was supposed to end a violent territorial conflict.
But Patrick had another plan.
He intended to use Russo-controlled shipping routes to expand the illegal weapons operation.
Graham had been responsible for securing certain business connections.
Including access to the Regency's private clients.
The dinner he'd demanded I attend wasn't social.
The guest was a broker involved in the shipments.
And Graham had wanted me there because I'd spent years managing confidential guest arrangements.
He believed I could help him move people through the hotel without questions.
When I refused, he'd lost control.
And when the flash drive disappeared, he'd panicked.
Vincent told me the truth in his study.
I listened.
Then asked, “Was I ever safe working there?”
He hesitated.
“I don't know.”
I looked down.
For two years, I'd believed the Regency was simply a difficult workplace.
I hadn't understood how much danger surrounded it.
Vincent stepped closer.
“Elena.”
I looked up.
“None of this is your fault.”
I swallowed.
“I know.”
But I didn't.
Not completely.
Some part of me still wondered whether I'd done something wrong.
Whether I'd been too trusting.
Too naive.
Too desperate for work.
Vincent seemed to understand.
He didn't argue.
May you like
He simply said, “You deserved to be safe.”
And for once, I let myself believe him.
