The Banker's secret

pte

ional

wo missed calls from Ivan, his most trusted associate. There were no messages; all Rodrick heard was a quiet request for a conversation he wasn't ready for. Everyone would want to know why he suddenly hesitated, why the man who had nodded and authorized airstrikes was now gazing at a photograph of a child like it was holy scripture. He made his way t

ross his burner phone: "Vale

no sign. N

ill alive prior to Mikhael's alleged "final exit" from the Balkan operation. Which meant Mikhael had lied all thes

He had 48 hours to make a decision. Rejoin the black river of clandestine financing and glob

f he r

rick exhaled. Clean exits were a legend in his world. The book w

r-elegant, composed, and dangerous. She was Rodrick Langston's business partner, and in his empire, she held a significant but ambiguous position. She wasn't merely an advisor. She was the brain in charge of his more delicate operations, like the acquisitions that required both charm and coercion, the quiet settlements, and the secrets that were hidden in off-shore accounts and ledgers. But Camilla's relationship with Rodrick extended far beyond signed contracts. Twenty years ago, they had shared a feverish affair-one forged in youth, amb

ed to see was her price. There was a price to pay for everything Camilla did. And th

ost damning secrets had never seen the light of day. She was the keeper of his sins-patient, poised, and quietly calculat

y, like a hairline crac

ny but unmistakable. It was from fifteen years ago. Rodrick, alone, standing outside the warehouse that was later bu

accomp

the city skyline glittered like distant embers beyond the glass. She should have thrown the picture away, but she didn't

ch her without setting off Rodrick's alarms. Even fewer people would seek retribu

r a potential acquisition, one involving a politician's family and a messy scandal. She said

asked. "Is so

t clearly. The flames. The cover-up. When Rodrick begged her for assistance, the fear in his voice. She had buried t

hat she wanted in return for her silence. Money was too si

-

ion A

l 300

had learned of the

asked, alarm thread

ey ever try to come for you again," she said coolly, handi

bring everything dow

t clouded with memories. "You are exposed. I'm protect

lenched. "Why ar

ed your empire for twenty years. I've silenced

threat. "I want complete control over the legal arm of Langston International." Ev

ck hes

ct. Outside, the city stirred to life. But there was something more icy in the room between them-a survival-based, secretive,