"And in exchange," I said slowly, understanding dawning, "they give him the muscle to take you down. To take me down. To eliminate anyone who stands in his way."
"Exactly." Ewan's jaw clenched. "Andrew's plan isn't just to take over the legitimate businesses, the conglomerates, the public-facing companies. That's just the surface."
He paused, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that cut through his physical weakness.
"The real Roman empire is underground, Kael. The arms deals. The political manipulation. The blackmail networks. The money laundering operations that fund half of Washington. That's where the real power is. That's what builds dynasties that last for generations."
My hands tightened on the folder.
"And Andrew is offering all of it," Ewan continued, "to the most dangerous criminals in the world."
The gravity of the situation crashed over me like a wave.
This wasn't just a kidnapping.
