Born to Rule, Destined to Destroy Novel 13

Chapter 13 but her gaze caught his shift—a trace of triumph flickered across her face, veiled swift. She’d long foreseen Valeria’s ruin. Against Javier’s might, Valeria was a moth to flame—when it burned, Adriana would reclaim Mrs. Barnett, her place assured.
Valeria halted after a few steps, sensing a shadow trailing her. Turning, she offered Javier a faint, knowing smile. “Commissioner Barnett, thanks for stepping in today—I owe you. So, what do you want?”
Her bluntness pierced the air, rare for one facing Javier. He blinked, caught off guard, then replied in a low timbre, “You mentioned Egret last time.”
“Sorry,” she interjected, sharp and swift, “Egret’s terms aren’t negotiable. You declined her treatment—maybe we pivot to something else.”
Javier’s lips pressed thin, a subtle dip of his head following. “I overstepped earlier—my apologies, Ms. Gordon. I’ll meet any terms if Egret will help.”
Surprise flickered in Valeria’s gaze. Javier—global titan of military might—apologizing to her? Beneath his iron facade, a thread of humility glinted, unexpected and disarming. Her reluctance to tangle further with the Barnetts wavered—his earnestness and earlier aid tipped the scales. “Fine,” she conceded, “I’ll reach out to Egret. You can go.”
She turned away, steps brisk, but Javier’s face softened, a pause stretching before he reached out. “Commissioner, I’ve agreed to connect you with Egret—respect my space,” she said, patience fraying like a taut wire.
Unruffled, he offered, “Let me drive you back.”
“Thanks, but I’ve got my own ride,” she shot back, firm as stone, leaving no crack for debate. Beyond Egret, the Barnett web was one she’d rather not spin deeper into.
Javier lingered, then ventured, “Could you give me a lift, then? My car’s damaged from the race—under repair.”
Valeria’s mind flashed to the black car’s clash with Rafael’s yellow beast—she held her tongue, brushing past him with swift purpose. Javier stood still, watching her recede, restraint tightening his jaw.
“This woman’s truly ungrateful!” Finch erupted from the shadows, frustration boiling over. “You raced today just for her, to bridge a real connection! Without you, she’d have been sunk—and she repays you with this? No one dares such insolence—it’s outrageous!”
His tirade surged, but Javier’s silence loomed heavy. Finch exhaled, pressing on, “Commissioner, I know you’re desperate for Egret, but she’s unreliable—maybe a liar. We should—”
“Enough,” Javier cut in, voice a quiet blade, eyes somber. “I doubted her first—her reaction’s fair.”
He’d shadowed the race to probe her, suspicions swirling—until Sierra’s drift unveiled her. Relief had washed over him; the fearless racer from old tapes wouldn’t bluff. Finch bristled, mouth opening to protest, when a horn’s blare sliced through.