Chapter 58 The Devil’s Move
DAVID
Bella’s hand rested in mine, small and cold, her fingers limp against my palm. The museum doors creaked shut behind us, but she hadn’t said a word since we left. Her silence weighed heavier than any conversation could.
The betrayal hung in the air between us Elowen’s cryptic words about Bella’s parents. I’d seen the flicker of hope in Bella’s eyes, the quiet trust that someone she loved might hold the answers.
I tightened my grip, grounding her. “Elowen might have her reasons,” I said, more to myself than her. Reasons don’t matter if they break her.
Bella’s lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to speak, but she only exhaled.
Her innocence made her a target a trait that drew people in and gave them the perfect opening to hurt her. And they did. Time and time again.
I would make sure this time was different.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, a vibration that pulled me from my thoughts. I slipped it out, glancing at the screen.
Sam.
“The Roy family is here,” his voice crackled through the line. “They’re waiting for you in your office.”
A smile curled at the edge of my mouth a sharp, cruel thing. The dogs have come to the lion’s den.
“Good,” I murmured. “Let them wait.”
Sam hesitated. “What’s the play, sir?”
I glanced at Bella again. Her eyes were distant, locked on a world far from this one. I’ll fix this for her. But first…
“Get the press ready,” I said. “I want the city to watch.”
“Yes, sir. And Eden?”
My grip on the phone tightened. Eden. My brother’s name was a blade I’d learned to hold carefully. “He’ll be there. He wouldn’t miss it.”
Sam’s voice lowered. “Won’t this hit our stock?”
“Let it. Curiosity is a more valuable currency.”
Bella’s fingers twitched in mine, a small reminder of her presence. I looked down at her, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“Go home,” I said softly, the warmth in my voice surprising even me. “Rest.”
Her brows furrowed, a silent protest forming, but I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Trust me.”
Her hesitation lingered, but eventually, she nodded and let the bodyguards guide her to the waiting car.
I stood for a moment, watching as the car disappeared down the street. My expression hardened, the softness reserved for her dissolving into something far colder.
Now, it’s time.
The building rose before me like a fortress, the sleek glass reflecting the late afternoon sun. Cameras flashed the moment my car pulled up, reporters swarming the entrance like hungry vultures.
“Mr. Copperfield, how do you plan to clear Roy’s name?”
“Will Copperfield Enterprises be bailing out the Roy family?”
Their questions blended into white noise as I stepped out, my security detail parting the sea of flashing lights and shouting voices. I didn’t look at them.
Inside, the air was thick with anticipation. The Roy family sat in the waiting area, their smiles as polished as the leather chairs they occupied.
Lizzy rose the moment she saw me, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She moved with purpose, arms outstretched, as if I were her salvation wrapped in a tailored suit.
I let her get close close enough to see the relief flicker in her eyes before I stepped aside.
“David,” she breathed, her voice trembling with hope. “I knew you’d come through.”
I smiled slow, deliberate. “Of course.”
Her smile widened, a spark of triumph flashing in her gaze. She thinks she’s won.
The phone buzzed in my hand again.
“Sir,” Sam’s voice was steady. “The women have been located. They’re safe.”
“And the ones Mike assaulted?”
“They’re ready to speak.”
“Good.”
I ended the call, turning back to Lizzy and her family. “Shall we?” I gestured toward the conference room.
Mr. Roy clapped me on the shoulder as we walked. “Your father would be proud of you, David. Saving our legacy like this.”
The words twisted in my chest, but I didn’t flinch. My father’s name shouldn’t leave your mouth.
I led them into the conference room, the press already gathered, cameras poised. My mother sat in the front row, pale and quiet, while my grandfather gave me a small nod of approval.
The questions started immediately.
“Mr. Copperfield, how will you clear the Roy family’s name amid the trafficking allegations?”
I stepped up to the podium, my fingers curling around the edge.
“I’d like to tell you a story,” I said, my voice calm, steady.
The door at the back of the room creaked open, and I saw him Eden, slipping in quietly.
Perfect timing.
“A story,” I continued, my eyes locking on his, “about betrayal, and the cost of playing god with other people’s lives.”
Eden’s gaze met mine, and for a moment, the room fell silent.
Let the show begin.