Chapter 5 - THE BILLIONAIRE WHO WANTED A WEAKNESS
Sebastian Rourke was the kind of man whose name appeared in financial newspapers beside words like visionary, innovator, and philanthropist.
He owned investment firms, luxury properties, and a controlling interest in several waterfront development companies.
He also had a long history of business disputes with Vincent DeLuca.
When I searched his name, I found photographs of him at charity galas, shaking hands with politicians, and smiling beside hospital executives.
Then I found something else.
Rourke Capital Partners had once been investigated over irregularities in a municipal redevelopment project.
The investigation ended without charges.
The project had involved a company linked to Isabella Moretti.
I stared at the article.
Suddenly, the messages made more sense.
Someone wanted me to believe Vincent was dangerous.
Someone wanted me frightened.
And someone knew enough about my family to make the threats personal.
I called Vincent.
"Who's Sebastian Rourke?"
His voice changed immediately.
"Where did you hear that name?"
"Another message."
"Emily—"
"Don't tell me to be careful. Tell me who he is."
A long pause.
"He's a businessman who believes every person has a price."
"And you?"
"I've refused to sell him what he wants."
"What does he want?"
"Control of three waterfront terminals."
"Why?"
"Because they're the last independent properties blocking a redevelopment project worth almost two billion dollars."
I leaned against the counter.
"And Isabella?"
Silence.
Then Vincent said, "She was investigating transactions connected to one of his companies when she died."
I closed my eyes.
"Do you think he killed her?"
"I think someone benefited from her death. I haven't proved who ordered it."
"Then why hasn't he been arrested?"
"Suspicion isn't evidence."
I swallowed.
"And now he's interested in me?"
"Possibly."
"Because you kissed me?"
"Because he thinks hurting you will hurt me."
I looked at my reflection in the dark kitchen window.
For years, Tyler had made me believe nobody would ever choose me.
Now a billionaire might be using me as leverage against a mafia boss.
It would have been funny if I hadn't been terrified.
That evening, I went to Bellini's to speak with my manager.
Richard looked exhausted.
"Emily, the reporters are still calling."
"I know."
He lowered his voice.
"Someone offered me twenty thousand dollars for your employment records."
My stomach dropped.
"Who?"
"A representative from a consulting firm."
"Did you give them anything?"
"No."
I exhaled.
Then Richard added, "But somebody accessed the staff computer last night."
I stared.
"What?"
"Your emergency contact information was viewed."
My mother's name.
Our address.
Her phone number.
I felt sick.
Richard continued.
"We're reviewing the access logs."
"Please tell me you called the police."
"I did."
I nodded.
Then I noticed Tyler standing outside the restaurant.
He was talking to a man in a gray coat.
The stranger handed him something.
An envelope.
Tyler slipped it into his jacket.
When he looked through the window and saw me, he smiled.
Not the cruel smile I'd seen at the engagement dinner.
Something worse.
The smile of a man who believed he'd finally found a way to make me obey.
I stepped outside.
"Tyler."
He turned.
"Emily."
"Who's your friend?"
The man in gray walked away.
Tyler shrugged.
"Business."
"What kind of business?"
"None of yours."
I looked at the envelope.
"How much did he pay you?"
His expression changed.
"Careful."
I took a breath.
"You sold information about me."
He stepped closer.
"You think you're special because DeLuca kissed you?"
I held my ground.
"No. I think you're pathetic because you can't stand that I don't want you anymore."
His face twisted.
For a second, I thought he might grab me.
Instead, he leaned close.
"You have no idea what you've walked into."
Then he left.
I watched him disappear into traffic.
May you like
And for the first time, I understood that Tyler's cruelty wasn't merely personal anymore.
Someone had found a way to profit from it.
