“And if I refuse?” Marcus asked, his eyes steady on Luca.

Luca leaned down, his hands flat on the desk, his face inches from Marcus’s.

“Then Sofia will be the next one in this house to fall ill,” Luca whispered.

My heart stopped.

Luca was willing to poison his own cousin, and now he was openly threatening Sofia’s life.

I looked down at the hard edge of the ledger under my apron.

Inside this book were the names of every shell company, every corrupt official, and every offshore account Luca had used to steal from the family.

It was the only leverage that could stop him and save Alexander’s empire.

But I had to get it to Marcus.

I shifted my weight on the floorboards, preparing to make my move into the room.

As I did, the sole of my shoe caught on the thick edge of the hallway runner.

The old floorboard beneath the carpet gave a loud, sharp creak.

Inside the study, the voices instantly stopped.

Santo’s head snapped toward the door.

“Who’s out there?” Santo called out, his hand instantly drawing his gun from his jacket.