CHAPTER 5: THE MEETING
Dominic DeLuca's office was nothing like Grace expected.
It was sleek, modern, and surprisingly warm. Bookshelves lined the walls. A fireplace crackled in the corner. And Dominic sat behind a large oak desk, looking at her with an unreadable expression.
"Thank you for coming," he said.
"I didn't have a choice."
He nodded. "Vivian Whitmore is not someone to take lightly. She has resources, connections, and a long memory."
"So I've learned."
Dominic stood up and walked to the window. "Do you know why I gave you that card?"
"Because I saved your mother?"
"Partly. But also because I know what it's like to be underestimated."
Grace was quiet.
"I grew up with nothing," Dominic continued. "I had to fight for everything I have. And I learned early that people like Vivian Whitmore only respect one thing."
"What's that?"
"Power."
He turned to face her.
"I can't protect you from everything. But I can give you a choice."
"What choice?"
"You can continue trying to fight her on your own. Or you can accept my help."
"And what would that cost me?"
Dominic smiled. "Nothing."
"I don't believe that."
"You're right not to trust me. But I'm not asking you to trust me. I'm asking you to let me show you that not everyone in this world is like Vivian Whitmore."
Grace studied him.
Everything about him was dangerous. His reputation. His power. His presence.
But there was something else, too.
Something almost... kind.
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"Okay," she said. "Help me."
Dominic nodded. "Then let's get to work."
