Arthur stepped sideways, calmly placing his body between me and the weapon.

“You built a house of cards, Tristan,” Arthur said.

His voice was entirely devoid of fear.

“And you built it with my money,” Arthur added.

“Get out of the way, Sterling,” Tristan hissed, his hand shaking.

“I have nothing left to lose,” Tristan said.

“That is where you are wrong,” Arthur said.

“You still have your life,” Arthur said. “Though I doubt you will keep it long if you pull that trigger.”

A shadow moved swiftly behind Tristan.

It was Victor, Arthur’s lead security specialist.

Victor stepped out from the alcove near the double doors with silent precision.

Before Tristan could turn, Victor struck.

He grabbed Tristan’s right wrist and twisted it upward with a sickening pop.

The gun fired once.

The bullet shattered a crystal sconce on the wall, sending a shower of glass over the stairs.

Tristan screamed in agony as the pistol clattered to the floor.

Victor kicked the weapon away, sending it sliding across the mezzanine.

He then forced Tristan to his knees, pinning his arms behind his back.