Maiden Passion

with the scent of grilled seafood, seasoned rice, and aged wine-a feast carefully arranged

eying his family with the quiet scrutiny of a man who'd built an empire and watche

omposed, always strategic. Ben's posture was perfect, his face calm. But Chief Laz

her expression unreadable, but her knuckles were pale from how tightly she hel

ly touched her food. She hadn't looked at Ben once since they sat d

ten worse lately, but she didn't complain. Instead, she sat quietly, eyes moving between her children, he

ollins-the stor

was unbuttoned at the top, revealing a gold chain resting against his chest. He looked more like a nightclu

his glass down. His voice was calm, b

we need

e and swirled his drink.

k I don't hear the whispers in Victoria Island? You're

stopped. Fiona froze mid-bite. Ben's lips pr

irm. "Collins, listen to your f

trol. You built this empire, and now you thin

rd, eyes locked

u planning to die at that desk, gripping Boca lik

landed li

iona stared at her plate. Ben's hand curled

g across her face-not from arthri

Your father built this for all of you. For your future. He's

one here is playing a role. Ben's the golden boy. Fiona's the quiet peacemaker. Diana... well, she barely says a

is brother's gaze but said nothing.

me speech, different night." He tossed

but winced, pain locking her fin

it easy," s

ce tired. "I'm just.

ead. "Fiona, go after him. Make sure

d, alread

rushing invisible c

ls echoed against the marble floor as

just fath

ked at Ben wi

verything before

of him. Too late was already breathing d

w something bi