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“You know,” I say finally. “I used to sneak in here as a kid when you weren’t home.” I slide the book back into place, still not looking at him. “I used to think that if I could learn more about what you did, maybe you’d start to care about me.” I clench my teeth. “I was so damned desperate for your approval back then.”

“You never did anything to deserve it,” Alexander sneers.

Remarkably, his disdain only makes me smile harder, and I finally turn back to him to let him see, which only makes him look angrier. “I never stood a chance though, did I? You hated me from the day I was born.”

“You can blame your tramp mother for that.”

I tamp down the desire to hit him again, willing myself to remain calm.

Don’t let him gain the upper hand. This will all be worth it soon.

“Can you really blame her for seeking out some scrap of affection? God knows you weren’t giving it to her. Did you ever even love her?”

His narrowed eyes almost look comical with both sporting the purpling bruises, and if I weren’t so determined to keep collected, I might laugh.

“She’s always been a disappointment,” he scoffs. “Just like you. You could never be like your brother.”

“Ah, but Eli isn’t at your beck and call anymore either, is he? Tell me, Alexander. Have you heard from him this week?”

The hand gripping the pen he’s holding tightens, and I hear the plastic creaking under the pressure. “What did you say to him?”

“Me?” I shake my head. “I didn’t say anything. I think he just finally realized the same thing the rest of yourfamilydid a long time ago. That you’re a worthless piece of shit.”

Alexander drops the pen, slamming his hands on his desk. “If you don’t get the fuck out of my office right now, I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” I step closer to his desk, placing my hands on the wood and bracing myself against it so I can lean in. I notice with satisfaction that he flinches when I do, just a little. “You want a repeat of the other day, Alexander? I’d be happy to break more of your face.”

“You’re lucky I didn’t call the fucking police,” he growls. “You really think you could take me head-on in court? With my connections?”

“I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that, since I imagine you’llalready have your hands full,” I answer blithely, shrugging. “But that all depends on you.”

“Is there a point you plan on making?”

“Right.” My lips curl in another slow grin. “Do you know what your problem is, Alexander?”

He says nothing, just continues to glare at me.

“Your problem,” I go on, “is that you’ve gone unpunished for so long that you think you’re untouchable.”

“Because I am,” he answers smugly.

“I’m sure you really believe that,” I laugh. “But that’s the problem with men like you. If you go unchecked for too long…you stop anticipating danger. You let yourself get comfortable.”

“This is pointless,” Alexander scoffs. “Just get the fuck out of my—”

“Do you want me to remind you about Bianca Casiraghi’s trust fund, Alexander? Or do you remember? Youwerethe one who handled the overseas transfer of the funds, weren’t you?”

The intense gratification I feel when he blanches is an allover sensation, my body practically humming. His eyes round and his mouth parts, and for the first time in my entire life, Alexander Hart looks…truly afraid.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he stammers.

“Oh, I knowexactlywhat I’m talking about,” I assure him. “And I haveseveraldocuments to prove it.”

“You can’t—there’s no way—it’s not possible.”

“Like I said, Alexander,” I tell him calmly. “You’ve let yourself get too comfortable. You stopped anticipating the danger.” The smile on my face feels feral, predatory even, but I enjoy watching Alexander quiver like prey. “But the danger found you just the same.”

“You little shit,” he seethes. “Whatever you think you know—”