~015The Brother's Gambit---Xavier arrived at Bella's hotel suite just before midnight.He didn't knock right away. He stood in front of the door, fists clenched at his sides, the file in his hand heavier than it looked.When he finally knocked, it was once-sharp and low.Bella opened the door.She wore a silk robe, face bare, but her eyes were sharper than he'd ever seen them."You're late," she said quietly."I know."He stepped in.She closed the door behind him and crossed her arms."Talk."Xavier took a breath and held out the folder."No more lies."She didn't take it. "I want to hear it from you."He nodded slowly, shoulders tense."Lucien is my half-brother," he began. "Our father-Henri Louis-had an affair. Lucien was the result. My mother knew. She never forgave him."Bella stood still, but her heart pounded."We met a few times as boys," Xavier continued. "During summers at the vineyard. He was charming. Older. Smarter in some ways. But angry. Always... angry.""What happe
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-10-18 อ่านเพิ่มเติม