His eyes darkened, and for a moment, she thought she saw doubt flicker across his face. "And why would I trust you?"
"Because if you don't, you'll lose everything. I'm not the only one coming for you. The boss is done being played, and if he finds out what you've done…" She let the threat linger, hoping it would resonate. "This could be your way out. Help me help you."
He paused, calculating, then leaned back against the crate, his expression shifting from arrogance to consideration. "You really think you can save the girl?"
"I will try," she replied, her heart pounding. "But I need your help to do it."
A flicker of something—fear, perhaps—crossed his face, but he quickly masked it with indifference. "And if I refuse?"
"Then you'll be outnumbered, and your empire will crumble. You know how ruthless the underworld can be when they smell weakness."
