I watched them, unimpressed. They played off each other perfectly—the manipulator and the willing victim. Matthew had a talent for twisting reality, painting black as white. Impressive, in a pathetic sort of way. No wonder he'd framed me so effectively before.
A vicious glint entered Matthew's eyes. He realized the files were dangerous ground. He needed to shift the battlefield.
He sneered. "Asher, Joanna moved on a long time ago. You're the one dragging up old wounds. But fine—if you claim to care about this child so much, prove it."
He stepped closer, his voice dripping with false reason. "Accept a challenge. Pass, and you prove you're capable of protecting the kid. We won't make things difficult anymore."
I watched his eyes dart around, calculating. He thought he had me cornered.
Perfect.
He'd walked right into my crosshairs. Joanna wouldn't believe me without action, and Matthew needed me gone. From the moment I stepped into this room, I'd controlled the board.
Now the real show could begin.
"Fine," I said coldly. "I agree."
