Elaine walked through the main doors of the Hayes estate, her posture regal and her head held high. Julio’s expression was thunderous. "You actually dare to show your face here again?" If not for her performance the night before, he wouldn't have been humiliated. "Why wouldn't I dare?" Elaine countered coolly. "Have Tyson come down. I want to have a proper chat with him." She made herself comfortable on the sofa, carrying the undeniable aura of a distinguished guest. Left with no choice, Julio headed upstairs to report the situation. When Tyson descended the stairs, he found Elaine sitting there with a defiant air that suggested she was not to be trifled with. "Are you playing games with me?" Tyson’s voice was like ice. Elaine offered a thin smile. "How could I dare play games with you, Tyson? I simply want to have a fair negotiation." "I have already agreed to everything you previously demanded. What more do you want?" Tyson sat across from her, his gaze lethal. "Whatever you stole from my study, I suggest you hand it over now. Do not force me to take it from you personally; it won't be a pleasant experience." "Drop the superior act, Tyson. We are equals now. I am holding years' worth of leverage against you. If you so much as touch me, this information will be on every major news outlet by tomorrow morning." Tyson let out a short, dark laugh. "Are you threatening me?" "It is a threat. What of it?" Elaine leaned forward. "The whole world knows we are about to be married. I am a lone daughter of the Lynn family with no one to turn to. If I were to die, all the Lynn assets would fall to you. It would be easy enough for the great Tyson Hayes to make a person disappear, and I have no intention of dying mysteriously after the wedding." "And your point is?" "The point is, if I die an 'accidental' death, your secrets will be leaked instantly," Elaine stated firmly. "I want you to guarantee my safety and my position as the mistress of the Hayes family after we marry. If I am even slightly inconvenienced, I will make your life a living hell. Am I making myself clear?" The arrogant woman sitting before him was a far cry from the frail, submissive girl she had pretended to be. Tyson had always known she was calculating, but he hadn't expected her to use these petty tricks against him. No woman had ever dared to put on such an act in his presence.Tyson’s eyes grew increasingly cold, but Elaine didn't flinch. She believed she held the winning hand. Even if he wanted to kill her, he had to consider the evidence she held. After returning home the previous night, Elaine had reviewed the documents. Despite her mental preparation, she was still shocked by the nature of Tyson’s dealings. For a man of the Hayes family—even from a branch line—to hold such power while hiding such a dark side was staggering. If the public ever found out who Tyson truly was, the media would explode. His public image as a refined gentleman would be shattered instantly. "What exactly do you want?" "I’ve already stated my terms. If you don't believe I found anything of substance, I can show you." Elaine tossed a set of backed-up documents onto the table. The moment Tyson caught sight of the contents, he turned to Julio. "Get out." "Sir?" Julio was taken aback. He was usually present for all of Tyson’s dealings, whether business or private. He had never seen Tyson look this rattled. Was there truly something even he didn't know? The rest of the servants were dismissed as well. Only Tyson and Elaine remained, seated on opposite sides of the table. Tyson opened the folder, but as soon as he scanned the first few pages, he snapped it shut. "Why should I trust you? You are far too cunning for your own good. I let you stay in this house, and you repaid me by stealing my secrets." "You can rest easy. Once we are husband and wife, I only want us to be honest with one another. To the outside world, we will still be a united front against our enemies. I have no desire to dig my own grave; this leverage is simply a guarantee for my own survival. We are both people who look out for our own interests and safety. There is nothing wrong with that, is there?" Tyson found he couldn't find a flaw in her logic. After all, he was a businessman himself.