“You’re an intelligent man, Mr. L. I won’t waste your time.”

Julian sat opposite him and sighed.

“You know Stella’s condition. She can’t work anymore. Unfortunately, she left behind a major government partnership. It was just getting started when the financing fell apart.”

He stole a quick look at Lucian’s face.

The scars gave nothing away.

“Honestly, she took on this project against everyone’s advice. I tried to talk her out of it several times, but you know her temper. Once she makes up her mind, nobody can change it.”

He looked helpless.

“Now she’s left an enormous mess. If I don’t fix it, she won’t just lose her position as CEO. The company could sue her. She might even go to prison.”

His ability to turn the truth inside out was breathtaking.

How could anyone be this shameless?

“You and Stella have such a close friendship. She once told me that if the funding really failed, she would swallow her pride and ask you for help.” His eyes were earnest. “I can only make that request on my wife’s behalf.”

Lucian appeared to consider it.

“How much do you need?”

Julian struggled to suppress his smile.

“Another eight point four billion dollars. I assure you, you won’t lose money. Once the project turns a profit, the group will pay you thirty percent of the profits every year.”

I saw the trick immediately.

If there were profits, Mr. L received a dividend.

If there were losses, he had effectively made a charitable donation.

And manufacturing a loss on paper was easy.

Julian offered him tea.

Lucian didn’t take it. He leaned back and studied that ingratiating face.

“Well, then. I’ll make the investment. For Stella’s sake.”

What?

Had someone possessed him?

He knew Julian was trying to cheat him. Why agree?

Julian was delighted.

“Thank you. On Stella’s behalf, thank you.”

He kept his tone gentle and steady, though his excitement was obvious.

“When would the funds be available? The board has been discussing legal action against Stella. If this takes more than a week, I’m afraid things could become difficult for her.”

“My money is in a Swiss bank. Moving it into the project’s regulated account here will take three days.”

Julian looked troubled.

“Of course I trust you. I’m happy to wait. But the board won’t accept my word alone. To stop them from suing Stella, I need proof that the investment will arrive in three days.”

He had talked himself dry before Lucian finally looked directly at him.

That sharp, unnerving gaze made him falter.

“Mr. L…”

Lucian’s scarred lips curved.

“Since you’ve already prepared the contract, bring it in.”

Gavin was waiting downstairs with it.

Julian’s little performance had fooled no one.

Smiling, he asked Lucian to wait, stepped outside, and immediately called Gavin.

“Bring the contract up. Mr. L has agreed to invest.”

After ending the call, he glanced at the half-open office door.

Alone in the hallway, he finally let his mask slip.

The gentle expression gave way to smug calculation.

He pressed the hand wearing his wedding ring against his chest.

Against my heart.

“Stella.” He closed his eyes, feeling it beat. “You’re so good to me. Even dead, you leave me a fool with deep pockets to clear my path.”

Then he kissed his wedding ring.

The ring I had designed myself.

The sight sickened me. It felt as though he had spat on my soul.

I had loved this man. Protected him. Given him everything.

Lucian was right about one thing.

My taste in men was appalling.

Within two minutes of Julian returning to the office, Gavin arrived with the contract.

Lucian signed the name he used as Mr. L.

Leo.

He added his seal and gave Julian access to an account where he could monitor the transfer from Switzerland.

“Satisfied, Mr. Whitmore?”

“You misunderstand. I’ve always trusted you completely.” Julian beamed. “Once the funds arrive in three days, we’ll restart the project and update our agreement with the government. I hope you’ll attend to witness it.”

A strange smile touched Lucian’s mouth.

“I will.”

I frowned at him.

What move were you planning now?