Chapter 4 - THE MAN WHO SMILED TOO MUCH
Daniel Cross had been Cole's closest adviser for twelve years.
He knew the business.
The accounts.
The security arrangements.
He knew Cole's weaknesses.
And he knew exactly how to exploit them.
After Claire died, Daniel had become indispensable.
He handled meetings.
Managed disputes.
Oversaw household security.
And gradually isolated Cole from anyone who questioned him.
Now the recordings suggested he had been involved in financial crimes Claire discovered before her death.
Cole wanted answers.
But Anthony urged caution.
“If Daniel realizes what we've found, he'll disappear.”
Cole looked toward the hallway.
“My son says Daniel threatened him.”
Anthony nodded.
“Then we need to protect Noah and the Bennetts first.”
Cole agreed.
He arranged independent security for Elena and Eli.
Not men connected to Daniel.
Not people from the old organization.
A licensed protection firm with no ties to the Mercer family.
Elena insisted on reviewing the arrangements.
Cole allowed it.
She also contacted her own attorney.
That surprised him.
“You don't trust me?”
Elena looked directly at him.
“I trust you to love your son.”
Cole waited.
“I don't yet trust you to understand what your world does to people who can't fight back.”
He looked away.
She continued.
“My husband died after two years of cancer treatment. I spent those years learning how quickly life can change.”
Her voice softened.
“I won't gamble with Eli's safety.”
Cole nodded.
“You shouldn't.”
For the first time, Elena saw something beyond the feared mafia boss.
May you like
A father who was beginning to understand that power had not protected the people he loved.
It had placed them in danger.
