Chapter 433

The night breeze was soft, Ripples shimmered across the rooftop pool of the Stormwind Hotel. Veronica Wren lay under a light blanket, sipping red wine as she idly watched the swimmer in the water. The man had a sharply defined back, his muscles cutting clean lines beneath the surface. With a splash, Allen Carter came up for air, grabbing the edge of the pool to wipe his face. “Only three laps? Guess your stamina’s slipping. Or is something on your mind?” Allen didn’t hold back. “Word is, Liam Shaw’s back. About that stake in Stormwind you promised him—what’s the plan with the board?” “Simple. I’ll just be honest. A partner gives us that big a gift, letting him have a bit of equity isn’t a big deal.” “I still think Liam’s not someone we can keep in check. It’d be safer to take a step back.” “You’re suggesting...?” “Put it on pause.” Allen shot her a look. “Don’t meet him for now. Once this IM thing is sorted, he’s of no value. At that point, those verbal promises? Useless.” “That’s not