CHAPTER EIGHTY FIVE - The Final Confrontation Begins

Victor's demeanor changed in an instant, his genial mask slipping to reveal something cold and hard beneath. "What do I want? I want what's owed to me, Lucas. You and that idiot brother of yours cost me millions with your little 'ethical business' crusade." "That was years ago," Lucas protested. "And we did the right thing, exposing your corrupt practices." Victor's laugh was harsh. "The right thing? You destroyed partnerships I'd spent years cultivating. And for what? Some misguided sense of morality?" Ella felt a chill run down her spine as Victor's gaze turned to her. "And now you've dragged your lovely wife into this mess. Tsk, tsk, Lucas. How irresponsible." "Leave her out of this," Lucas growled, half-rising from his chair. Victor held up a hand, his smile turning predatory. "Now, now. Let's all calm down. I'm sure we can come to some sort of... arrangement." Ella's voice was steel when she spoke. "We're not here to make deals, Mr. Hale. We're here to tell you to back off.