Chapter 6 - THE CROFT COLLAPSE
Matteo struck back with devastating precision. Using the failed assassination as leverage, he systematically dismantled Vivienne's father's empire. He didn't use bullets; he used ledgers, exposing the Crofts' offshore accounts to federal authorities and severing their port access overnight. Vivienne and her family were forced to flee to Europe, their power entirely eradicated. Through the chaos, Matteo kept Tessa close, realizing that her quiet intellect, sharp observational skills, and unwavering loyalty were the true assets he needed to govern his volatile world. She was no longer a maid; she was his confidante, sitting beside him in the war room as he rebuilt the syndicate's foundation.
