Chapter 84 - Driven by revenge

Alexandre leaned into his desk chair. The documents were scattered on the table.

"So this time, CumEx deals! Hmph..."

"France, Italy and Spain as main markets. Norway and the Belgian markets are being exploited." Claudio explained to his friend.

Alexandre nodded. "Interesting. So he invested 150 million and made a profit of 10 million within 3 months. Not bad." His gaze became a shade harder as he sifted through the documents. "So he wouldn't even stop at betray the government. He grows more and more ruthless over the years." Alexandre Laughter was dry. He knew that Gaston de Cocieux was a tough businessman who didn't even shy away from murder. Nothing was sacred to him. All that mattered to him was his goal, and as long as he achieved it, any means were fine.

Gaston would not stop until the house of de Valois was on fire. And all because of one woman.

Lovesick bastard!

They were so much more alike than Alexandre liked. He could not forgive, driven by revenge that ate through his bones. He would not leave Danielle's murder unpunished. Alexandre would send that scumbag to hell. But not yet. He didn't have the power he needed to attack Gaston yet.

His eyes sparkled with rage. Good! He would wait again. He would lurk. He had time. He was young compared to the old geezer. He could take all the time he needed.

"You're no better." Claudio grinned.

"That's right. No risk is too much for me until I have him by his balls."

Still that bastard was covered by a few powerful men in France. But for how long? What risks would they take? Men of power were actually quite similar. They loved to brag about their white vests. Even if the vests only shone from the outside. They didn't mind as long as nobody dared to take a look under their vests. A vest which was completely dirty underneath the white facade. They pretended, lied and cheated. As long as nobody caught them. But when the first stain soiled their vests, they would do anything to get the vest clean again. Though he didn't know which men were holding their hands over Gaston. But how long would they cover him? He'd also have to link their names to Gaston's crimes. He needed to pressure them. Until they could no longer protect Gaston. The safest way was to discredit their reputation.

"Keep watching him. I want to know about all his illegal dealings and the business partners involved."

"Pretty noble of you to care for your half-brother's child. After all, his mother is to blame for this entire feud." The corners of Claudio's mouth twitched in amusement. The irony made everything taste even sweeter. "You're caring so sweetly for the little one. I never thought you'd make a good father. Actually, I thought you'd let them both rot in one of your mansions. But you seem to enjoy it, don't you?"

"Enjoying?" Alexandre mumbled. Tilting his head. The corners of his mouth hardly lift at all. "If I'm not nice, she'll run away. With all her fortune. At this point, she has the possibility, although she doesn't realize it. I want her to remain in that state until I've taken everything. Till she has no way out."

"Speaking of enjoying ourselves. I want to have fun, too. Maybe I should settle down. I could well imagine myself with this Lady de Carvoisin. I like taming stubborn girls." Claudio grinned silently to himself for a moment, lost in his thoughts. "Get me her contacts."

"I believe you have better means to get her information."

"All you have to do is ask your wifey for her number."

"All you have to do is ask one of your men and you'll get her whole CV."

Claudio shrugged his shoulders. "If you won't help me... I'll have to turn to your wifey. She looks nice. She'll surely set up a date for me."

Alexandre nodded slowly, watched Claudio attentively with a stiff face.

"Carvoisin will turn you down. You don't even have to try it. She has eaten so many noblemen. You'd better let it go."

"She hasn't crossed my path yet. She didn't know what she needed."

Alexandre snorted. "An ego as big as the Himalayas. Mmm... You need an opportunity to convince her of your merits."

Claudio smiled. "You know me."