Dennis couldn't meet my eyes. He cleared his throat.
"Margot, Tyler didn't know his place. He disrespected Nellie. I just had someone teach him a small lesson."
"A little discipline?"
I let out a cold laugh and closed the distance between us, one step at a time.
"You shattered both his legs. You call that a little discipline?" My voice cut through the hall. "Dennis, have you forgotten who took a bullet for you when your enemies had you cornered?"
Several of the senior syndicate bosses lowered their heads in shame.
Being called out in front of everyone was more than Dennis could stomach. His face twisted, and he snarled through clenched teeth.
"Margot! Don't push your luck! You're a convicted felon now—you can't touch a single piece of business in the East District!"
He jabbed a finger toward Nellie's belly, using it like a shield for his betrayal.
"Nellie comes from a clean background, and she's carrying my child. She's the only one who can sit in that chair and keep the brothers fed!"
"A clean background?"
I couldn't help it. I laughed—loud and sharp.