“You missed one important point,” Wyatt announced, his scarred features blazing under harsh lobby light. “These people who manipulated you—they can use the same methods on anyone who threatens their operations.”

His gloved hand captured Addison’s fingers, intertwining them with possessive warmth that made Jaxon’s territorial fury explode across his battered face.

“Remember I told you I protected you all these five years?” Wyatt continued, his attention burning into her soul. “I didn’t lie about that.”

Jaxon stared at them blankly, executive composure fracturing as implications struck like artillery shells.

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Jaxon declared with confusion threading his voice.

“While you were trying to earn authority with those board members,” Wyatt explained, his thumb tracing Addison’s palm, “they repeatedly tried to put pressure on you. They used every method available to ensure your complete cooperation.”

“What methods?” Jaxon demanded with growing alarm.

“Elimination of leverage,” Wyatt replied with steel conviction. “Starting with the woman you were building your empire around.”

“That’s impossible—”

“Is it?” Wyatt challenged with predatory calculation. “You think coincidence kept her breathing for three years while she dated the man whose signature funds systematic murder?”

“They wouldn’t dare—”

“They would and they did,” Wyatt interrupted. “I was always there. Always watching. Always protecting her from contracts that would have forced your absolute obedience.”

Jaxon’s face transformed into something dangerous as corporate defenses crumbled under tactical revelation.

“You’re completely insane,” Jaxon breathed, but doubt crept into his executive certainty.

“Am I?” Wyatt’s laugh carried razor edges that sliced through marble atmosphere. “Eighteen months ago, February fourteenth. Valentine’s dinner at Chez Laurent.”

“How do you know about—”

“Because I was there,” Wyatt stated with brutal precision. “Watching from shadows while professional killer waited in parking garage.”

The memory struck Addison like lightning bolt. The romantic evening that had ended abruptly when Jaxon insisted they leave through kitchen exit because of “security concerns” he’d never adequately explained.

“Silenced rifle, thermal scope, perfect position to eliminate you both during departure,” Wyatt continued relentlessly. “I put three bullets through his skull before you finished dessert.”

“That’s not possible,” Jaxon protested with weakening conviction.

“The news reported gang violence,” Rose confirmed from her position, her voice carrying tactical authority. “One unidentified male found dead in Chez Laurent parking structure. Professional execution.”

“I cleaned up the scene,” Wyatt added with deadly calm. “Made it look like drug deal gone wrong instead of assassination attempt on board leverage.”

Jaxon’s executive composure shattered completely as recognition blazed across his features. Corporate logic couldn’t explain away tactical evidence that fit perfectly with unexplained security concerns and mysterious schedule changes.

“You want to say you didn’t know?” Wyatt challenged. “Didn’t guess why your girlfriend lived longer than other board members’ families?”

“I’ve had enough!” Addison screamed with volcanic authority that cut through their confrontation like lightning bolt splitting stone.

Both men froze under her blazing stare, their territorial war suspended by fury that exceeded their own.

“This is the end,” she declared with conviction that blazed across her exhausted features. “It’s time to end all of this madness right now.”

“Addison—” Jaxon started with desperate appeal.

“No,” she interrupted with steel determination that brooked no argument. “No more accusations. No more territorial claims. No more using me as weapon in your personal vendetta.”

“But—” Wyatt began with tactical urgency.

“But nothing,” she shot back with authority that transcended both their claims. “I’m finished being prize in your competition. I’m finished choosing between two men who both claim to love me while trying to destroy each other.”

The lobby fell silent except for labored breathing and electric tension that promised her decision would determine everyone’s fate.

“Choose survival over destruction,” she commanded with fierce conviction. “Choose protecting innocent life over satisfying your need for vengeance or vindication.”

“What are you saying?” Jaxon demanded with growing terror.

“I’m saying,” Addison replied with finality that cut through marble air, “that love means protecting what you claim to cherish instead of using it to justify warfare that destroys everything you touch.”

The ultimatum hung between them like executioner’s blade, promising that their nightmare would end—but only if both men proved their love through sacrifice rather than conquest.