32. Chapter 31
Chapter 31
David
“ W hat am I looking at here?” I ask, my eyes fixed on the phone’s screen.
“Just watch. One of our guys at the fair caught this on camera.”
The video shows three men surrounding Eden and Zoey, both dressed in revealing outfits. The scene quickly escalates as the men grab the girls with aggressive intent.
“So what? My daughter probably mouthed off,” I say dismissively.
“Just keep watching.”
As the video progresses, Roman and Aiden appear, intervening with brutal force. The sight of Roman’s dark tattoos confirms his identity. He’s engaged in a fierce fight, trying to rescue Eden, who is being held hostage by the largest man.
“He won’t do anything,” I sneer. “He knows she deserves—”
Roman’s relentless attacks on the men contradict my expectations. He focuses his fury on the attackers, pushing them to the ground. A medic attends to Eden’s injuries until Roman takes over, his protective nature evident in his tender handling of her wounds.
“This next part is what you’ll want to see,” The assistant says, their tone serious.
I watch in disbelief as Roman gently cups Eden’s face, his touch tender and concerned. The sight of their intimacy strikes me deeply.
“Roman Briar is not disciplining my daughter... He loves her,” I hiss, my frustration palpable.
“Yes,” the assistant confirms, nodding. “Roman Briar is a mole. His relationship with Eden is more than just a pretense. He’s been playing Devil’s advocate under the guise of bringing light.”
I slam the phone on my desk, my anger rising. “How long until the bidders get a good look at the lot?”
“One month,” They reply.
“And Roman still doesn’t know the kids’ location?” I demand.
“Unless he sees the remodel’s construction plans, he won’t find the basement anytime soon.”
“There’s something else,” They add, their voice tense.
“Go on.”
“Father Kevin called. Roman’s been speaking to the Vatican about leaving the priesthood.”
I’m enraged. Roman’s influence over my daughter is evident. “What’s next?”
“We need to give Roman a reason to submit, to back down. The town may be on lockdown, but Roman has resources. One wrong move and Homeland Security could intervene. We need a strategic approach.”
“A threat won’t be enough. We need to leverage his attachment to Eden,” I plan, envisioning how this could work to our advantage.
“Let’s put Eden in the lineup,” They suggest, flipping through a portfolio of photos. They replace Zoey’s picture with Eden’s, emphasizing the new threat.
“Isn’t that what I intended?” I question, a hint of satisfaction in my voice.
“It was a threat, but now it’s a tactical move. Love clouds judgment. Roman’s attachment to Eden could be our leverage.”
Smiling, I savor the thought of Roman’s shock when he sees the updated lineup. “Dangle his prized possession and watch him react.”
“Yes. Eden’s value to the bidders will be significant, especially given her resilience. This could drive Roman to act recklessly.”
“And if Eden is out of the picture, Aiden will have to return home,” I add, considering the implications.
“Precisely. It sets the stage for us to regain control.”
My wife’s voice interrupts, soft and obedient. “Dinner is ready.”
“Prepare an extra plate for our guest,” I instruct, turning back to the plan.
We toast to new beginnings, savoring the thought of Roman’s downfall.
“To the end of Father Briar,” We both agree, clinking glasses.