Page 259 of Money Reigns

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“You could use the basement for your kills. The upper floors for your fronts—money laundering, illegal shipments, whatever the hell you want. We’ll even finish the renovations for you.”

I meet his eyes.

“But we want the Parker Building.”

Maksim shakes his head, that same smirk playing at the corner of his lips. He’s about to dismiss me again.

I speak before he can.

“It’s still in your territory,” I say, pivoting fast. “Beaumont Luxe… There’s a transitional home not too far from it—for kids aging out of foster care.”

He doesn’t interrupt. But he doesn’t look interested either.

“We were going to donate. Make a big thing out of it. Cut a ribbon, get some press coverage. Looks good for the city. And for whoever owns the block.”

His eyes finally meet mine.

Cold. Blue. Piercing.

“Why,” he says slowly, “would I care about transitional homes? Or kids?”

I hesitate for half a beat.

Then I go for it.

“Your mother,” I say quietly. “She was adopted, wasn’t she? And your father’s—”

“Enough.”

The word slices through the room like a blade.

He stands.

My breath stutters. I don’t move.

Vaska, still leaning near the door, shifts. Says something in Russian, his tone low, cautious.

Maksim doesn’t look at him. His eyes are locked on mine.

“Leave.”

Vaska hesitates. “Maks…”

“Leave. Now.”

The pause that follows is long and silent.

Then Vaska nods once, his jaw tight. He looks at me on his way out, and something in his expression curls unease through my gut.

He shakes his head, barely noticeable.

Then he’s gone.

The door closes with a quiet, final click.

Oh god.

This is how I die.

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