Page 36 of Parker

“I propose we join forces. You pledge to look after what remains of my family and my men, and I’ll give you the Worth businesses.

Think about what that would make you. The most powerful man in the city.

There will be no one near.” His voice was clear and succinct.

“This is a surprise to you, I know. But it’s something I’ve been considering for a while.

The disagreement between our teams has been a minor bump in the road. ”

“My men may not accept your offer so graciously,” I said, and he chuckled.

“Your men look up to you, Joel. They will do as you tell them. Think about it and call me. You have forty-eight hours before I look at other options.” With that, he rose and left, his tea untouched. Reginald Worth obviously doesn’t trust me that much.

As the door closed, I lifted my phone and sent a message to Boyd.

Get my mother and meet me at Secrets at noon.

He responded, agreeing, and I went over the offer old man Worth made me moments ago in my mind.

Could I be the most powerful man in the city?

Maintain my public persona, but control the dark nights with a team double the size?

It’s tempting and would be a way to finish this awful war once and for all.

When I arrived at the club, Boyd sat next to my mother. Closer than usual. Too close. When she leaned in to murmur something, his eyes flicked to her mouth. It was subtle, easy to miss, but I didn’t.

“So, let me get this straight,” Boyd said, voice low and skeptical. “After months of bloodshed, the old bastard strolls into your office, offers his empire, and we’re supposed to believe it’s all out of the goodness of his dying heart?”

I nodded once. “That’s what he said.” I turned to my mother. “What do you think?”

She shrugged. Calm. Measured. Already considering the next steps.

“I don’t trust him,” she said plainly. “But I believe he’s desperate.

Men like Reginald only surrender when they’re out of time and out of moves.

And he’s both. There’s obviously a lot we need to discuss.

Details to be firmed up. But it’s worth having the conversation.

Phone him and tell him you’re interested. ”

“We’re interested,” I corrected her.

She shook her head. “No, Joel. You’re interested.

” Her voice was quiet but firm. “You’ve been doing an incredible job managing the men and the businesses.

I’m here to guide and support you. So is Boyd.

” She glanced softly at the man beside her.

“But Parker Industries is yours now. The future, good or bad, sits on your shoulders.”

The words settled like a weight across my shoulders. Not crushing me. Anchoring me. This was mine now. The name, the empire, the war, and what comes after.

Within two weeks of hashing out the details, I merged the Parker and Worth families under one banner. Reginald Worth was admitted to a hospice soon after. A few days later, he died with his son and daughter at his side.

When I heard of his death, I stopped by to pay my respects.

Not out of sentiment, but of duty. Even though our families had been at war, there was an understanding and unsaid respect.

That’s how our world works. It’s like playing an extended game of chess that you know your opponent is more than capable of winning if you let your guard down.

Eliza crumbled the moment she saw me. She pressed her face into my chest, her tears soaking into my shirt. She’s always cried easily, felt things deeply. That used to bother me. Now, it reminded me of Nicky.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “For putting this ridiculous feud to bed. For giving my father peace in his last days. What happened before…”

“Shh,” I murmured into her hair. “What happened before isn’t relevant. It’s in the past. Our lives have moved on.” I kept my voice steady. “You and your brother are under my protection. I’ll keep my promise to your father and look after you both.”

I stepped back, holding her at arm’s length. Her husband appeared at that moment, hovering by the door. A normal guy in a world of criminals.

I passed her to him gently. He thanked me with his eyes. It was a quiet gratitude I didn’t deserve. He’ll keep her safe in a way I never could.

***

“Now that the threat’s been removed, do you want the around-the-clock protection pulled from Nicky?” Boyd asks.

I glance up from my computer, expression blank. “No.”

He clears his throat. “Joel, the only threat to her was Worth. And he’s gone. It’s been a year since your divorce. Isn’t it time you moved on?”

I glare at him.

He holds my stare. “The resources could be put to better use.”

“No,” I repeat, firmer this time. “Keep two men on her. I want daily reports on her routine.”

Boyd nods, says nothing more, and leaves the room.

This whole time, I’ve been doing everything in my power to keep her safe. Even when I couldn’t have her. Even when she wanted nothing to do with me. All I want is for her to be happy.

Losing her was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. And even now, standing at the head of a united empire, with more power than I’ve ever held… there’s still a Nicky-shaped hole in my heart that will never heal.