Page 63 of Goldrage
“But we need to be strategic about this,” I say. “The timing must be perfect or Julian will be lost forever.”
“What do you mean?”
I take a deep breath, weighing risks and rewards with the same precision I’ve applied to every major decision in my life. This moment requires trust—complete, unwavering trust in a man who’s kept the most devastating secret imaginable for nearly three decades.
“I’m working on something. A plan to bring down the entire Consortium, to free all of us from this cycle of violence and manipulation. Aurelia and her cousin Lorenzo are helping me.”
Valentine’s eyes widen with shock, his pupils dilating as he processes this revelation. Then his entire body sags. “Thank God.” The words escape on an exhale. “It’s about time someone had the courage to try.”
“When the time comes,” I continue, leaning forward to ensure he understands the gravity of what I’m saying, “when everything is in motion, that’s when we tell Julian the truth. We can’t tell him now, understood? When he can see there’s another way to live, another path to choose, then you reveal the truth. Wait for my signal. I’ll let you know when the time is right.” I extend my hand between us, a formal gesture for a moment that transcends formality. “Will you help us?”
Valentine straightens in his chair, and I watch years fall away from his shoulders. The broken man transforms before my eyes, spine straightening, jaw setting with determination. This is the warrior who’s survived decades in Lucian’s service, who’s protected those he loves despite impossible circumstances. Yes, he’s made mistakes, but he’s also done something very few in this world do: he’s seeking forgiveness.
He still has a soul and wants redemption.
“Yes,” he says. The word rings with conviction. “Whatever you need. I’ve been a coward for too long. It’s time I started acting like the father Julian deserves. The father Aurelia deserves too. I want to get them both out of this madness.”
His hand clasps mine, the grip firm despite the tremor I feel in his fingers.
“Then we wait,” I say, using his shoulder to lever myself back to standing. “Be patient, maintain your cover, and when I give the signal, be ready to help me save my brother—your son.”
Valentine rises, and for a moment we simply stand there, two men bound by love for the same broken soul, united in our determination to pull Julian from the abyss before it’s too late.
“Adrian,” Valentine says quietly, and there’s something new in his voice. It’s the voice of a man speaking to family. “Thank you. For believing in him.”
“He’s my brother,” I reply simply. “That hasn’t changed. If anything, knowing he’s your son makes me understand him better. All that rage, all that desperate need to prove himself worthy of a legacy that was never truly his… no wonder he’s drowning. Part of him must’ve sensed it all along.”
Valentine nods, wiping the last of the tears from his face with steady hands. When he looks at me again, his expression holds the same strategic focus I’ve seen him wear in countless dangerous situations. “We should go back before someone notices.”
I pause at the door, meeting his eyes onefinal time. “No one can know about this conversation. Not even Aurelia. Not yet.”
“Understood.”
“And please, pass this to Lorenzo when you can.” I pull a note from my pocket and slip it into Valentine’s palm. I’d written it this morning, not sure when I’d be able to pass it on. But this unexpected meeting is the perfect opportunity.
Valentine takes it without question and slips it into his tactical vest.
We leave the room and Valentine escorts me back to the living room. Bianca greets me with a hug, and then I return to my loveseat so I can pretend to read.
I glance out the window at the graying sunset. We will save my brother. Valentine will save his son.
We must.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
AURELIA
Istroll arm-in-arm with Lorenzo through the gardens, our conversation deliberately light and casual for the benefit of the guards around the estate. To any observer, we appear to be nothing more than cousins enjoying a pleasant walk.
“The roses are particularly beautiful this time of year,” Lorenzo comments loudly enough for the nearest guard to hear. His smile is warm and genuine as he guides me toward a secluded section of the garden where ancient oak trees provide natural privacy.
Once we’re partially hidden from view, Lorenzo’s demeanor shifts slightly, his voice dropping. “I received something when I arrived this morning.”
I’m not sure whether the news is good or bad, so I try to stay calm as I ask, “What is it?”
“A note from Adrian. Valentine gave it to me. It’s detailed instructions about the files he’s been keeping at my estate. The ones for…”
He doesn’t continue but I know he’s hinting at The Plan.
