25 Vincent Brennan listened to our proposal with his usual calculating calm . " A full merger , " he mused . " Brennan - O'Sullivan united . It could work . " " It will work , " Saoirse insisted . " We're stronger together . " " And Delphine ? " " Under family protection , " I said . " Full support for her and the baby . But no marriage . " Vincent nodded slowly . " Call the meeting . But first , deal with the widow . She needs to understand the new order . " 7 We met Delphine at the O'Sullivan compound . She was in my father's study - my study now - sitting behind his desk like she already owned it . " Get up , " I said quietly . " That's not your place . " She smiled , not moving . " Isn't it ? I carry the O'Sullivan heir . " " So does Saoirse , " I replied . " Twins . The difference is , they'll be legitimate . " Her face went white , then red . " You bred your whore ? " Saoirse moved before I could , her knife at Delphine's throat . "Call me that again . Please . Give me the excuse " " You wouldn't dare . I'm pregnant- " " So am I. But I'm also a Brennan . We've survived five generations by eliminating threats . " Saoirse's voice was ice . " Are you a threat , Delphine ? " " No , " Delphine whispered . " Good . Then here's what happens . You get a house , guards , and an allowance . Your child gets education and protection . In return , you keep your mouth shut and play the grieving widow . Step out of line ... " She pressed the knife closer . " Well , let's hope it doesn't come to that . " I pulled Saoirse back gently . " We're offering you everything my father promised . Just not me ." Delphine's mask finally cracked completely . " I should have everything ! I married the heir- " " You married the spare , " I corrected . " And now you're the spare's widow . Take the deal , Delphine . It's more generous than you deserve . " " Your father promised- " " My father's dead . I rule now . With my wife . " " She's not your wife yet . " Saoirse smiled coldly . " A detail we'll fix soon . Now get out of our chair . " Delphine stood slowly , hatred burning in her eyes . " This isn't over . " " Yes ," I said simply . " It is . " She left , but we both knew she'd be trouble . Snakes don't change their nature . " We need to watch her ," Saoirse said . " Agreed . I'll put Declan on it . " " And I'll have some of my father's people shadow her . Trust but verify . " I pulled her close , hands gentle on her stomach . " Twins . I still can't believe it . " " Believe it . Two little warriors . They'll need to be strong in our world . " . " They will be . They have you for a mother . " " And you for a father . One who chose truth over convenience . " The merger announcement went smoother than expected . The combination of both families ' power was too strong to challenge directly . But afterward , Russo approached me privately . " Interesting times , " he said . " Your brother's widow seems ... unhappy with the arrangement ." " Delphine's feelings aren't my concern . " " No ? She came to see me yesterday . Had some interesting proposals about territorial divisions if the O'Sullivan leadership were to ... change ." My blood went cold . " What did you tell her ? " " Nothing . Yet . But others might be more receptive . A pregnant widow , cast aside for another woman ? It's a compelling story ," " It's a lie . " " Truth , lies ... " He shrugged . " In our world , perception matters . Watch your back , O'Sullivan . And hers . " He nodded toward Saoirse , " Pregnant women are so vulnerable ." After he left , I found Saoirse immediately . " We have a problem . "