Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

Black Gate had become the center of a perfect storm, with players from every side suddenly involved. At first, it seemed like the whole mess was about Susanna.

But in a blink-

Most of Black Gate's key resources were snatched away, right under their noses!

Derek hadn't slept a wink all night.

Leroy stepped into the study, Caden-Derek's right-hand man-trailing behind.

"Sir, Caden's here," Leroy said respectfully.

Derek, exhausted, had only managed to drift off just before dawn. He opened his tired eyes at Leroy's voice and waved him away.

Leroy nodded, about to close the door, then hesitated, remembering something. "Sir, Adelle waited up for you all night."

Derek's head already throbbed. Leroy's words only made it worse. He waved his hand impatiently, not even bothering to comment about Adelle.

He didn't have time to babysit anyone right now-not even Adelle.

Leroy took the hint and quietly shut the door, leaving Derek and Caden alone. Caden's expression was grim. "No sign of anyone in their hands," he said.

He was talking about Dan, Finch, and Adelle.

With Black Gate under fire, Derek's old allies suddenly seemed less dependable. He couldn't be sure who had taken Susanna anymore he just wanted her found, fast.

Hearing Caden's report, Derek's face grew even darker.

he bit out,

Neither Adelle nor either of the boys have any trace of

they were never taken by any

boiled over. "Then

just shook his head,

"You've

"Yes, sir. Every angle."

fell into a

cigarette, taking a couple sharp drags, trying to

are they all breathing down

where

of twisted mess was

"Dan's people are secretly digging into

that tells me they're just

with Dan either."

Derek's frown deepened.

there was

did have her?

Derek's stomach

twisted at the

didn't want to believe she could

person he'd suspect but

Finch's people are digging into Dan,

"Finch is