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.

bit out,

Adelle nor either of the boys have

by any

frustration boiled over. "Then

just shook his head,

pressed, "You've

"Yes, sir. Every angle."

into a heavy

sharp drags, trying to tamp down his

of them have her, why are

where she

of twisted mess was

people are secretly digging

that tells me they're just

isn't with

Derek's frown deepened.

snooping around, there was no way Susanna was with

did have her? Finch? Or...

Derek's stomach

twisted at the

want to believe

for years and was the last person he'd suspect but this, situation was too urgent for trust-so he'd

people are digging into Dan, too,"

"Finch is investigating Dan?"