Page 56 of Blood Vows

Elena looked sick. “And then?”

Marco hesitated. “Control transferred to you.”

“No, it didn't,” she said.

“Legally, it did,” Marco countered.

“I never signed anything,” Elena said.

“That’s the problem,” Marco pointed out.

Dante already knew. “Was it forged?”

Marco nodded. “Same signature pattern as the accounts.” Elena leaned against the desk, and Dante moved toward her automatically.

She held up a hand. “I’m okay.” He stopped before reaching her. “What does the trust own?” she asked.

Marco looked at Dante, and he didn't like that look. “Just say it.”

“Crimson Holdings is the umbrella.”

“For what?” Elena asked.

“Companies, properties, accounts, and investments,” Marco said.

“How much are we talking?” Dante asked.

Marco hesitated again. “Best estimate?”

“Yes.”

“North of eighty million,” Marco breathed.

Elena laughed, not because anything was funny. Dante knew that sound—she was in shock. “You're telling me I'm worth eighty million dollars?”

“On paper, yes,” Marco said.

“And in reality?” she asked.

Marco looked at her. “We don't know.” Dante knew—at least part of it. He knew enough to understand why someone wanted Elena alive, and why they might kill her once she gave them whatever they needed.

“We're leaving,” Dante said.

Elena looked at him. “We just got here.”

“And now we know what they took,” he said.

“We haven't searched anything else,” Elena argued.

“Marco can search the unit,” Dante insisted.

Marco frowned. “I can?”

“Yes,” Dante said.

“What will you be doing?” Marco challenged.

“Taking Elena somewhere secure,” Dante said.