Emmett's weakness was his cowardice—he lacked the bold, domineering aura of a true leader. But that same flaw was also his strength: he was cautious to a fault. Unless he was absolutely certain of success, he would never make a move.

Even when Ray stole the woman he had set his sights on, even when Ray ambushed him, the moment he realized his ultimate move couldn't touch Ray, he made a decisive choice—he fled.

His plan was already forming. After joining forces with Rupert, he would cooperate w