As the call disconnected, Aiden felt the familiar pressure of stress weighing heavily on his mind. He pushed himself up from his chair, hoping that a brief break might help clear his thoughts. He walked purposefully out of his office and onto the balcony, his steps echoing lightly on the polished floor.The office balcony offered a stunning view of the city, a mosaic of lights and movement. Aiden inhaled deeply, the crisp air filling his lungs. The architectural beauty of the building he was in, with its intricate designs and modern touches, was a small solace amidst the turmoil of the past days.He gazed out at the sprawling cityscape, taking in the bustling streets below and the towering skyscrapers that reached for the sky. The fresh air and the scenic view provided a momentary escape from the chaos that had surrounded him. He allowed himself a few moments of peace, letting the calmness wash over him.After a while, Aiden turned to head back inside, but something caught his eye. A

Aiden stepped under the shower, his proximity to Silvana closing the gap between them. The warm water cascaded over both of them, a gentle backdrop to their conversation. His hands gently cupped her shoulders, and he looked into her eyes, searching for reassurance. “I understand, Silvana,” he began, his voice calm yet tinged with reluctance. “Your grandfather means a lot to you, and I know how much family matters. It’s just…” He trailed off, trying to find the right words. Silvana tilted her head, her expression softening. “You’re worried about how I’ll manage without you, aren’t you?” He let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “No, I know you’ll manage. You’re one of the strongest people I know. It’s me I’m worried about. You’ve become my anchor, Silvana. With everything going on, the thought of not having you here feels... unsettling.” Her lips curved into a small smile, and she reached up to touch his face, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw. “You’re stronger than y

Silvana stepped out into the cool night air, her phone trembling slightly in her hand. She dialed Aiden’s number, her heart heavy with the knowledge of what she’d just heard. The phone rang twice before his familiar voice came through. “Silvana,” Aiden said, his tone immediately softening. “I was just thinking about you. How’s your grandfather?” “He’s fine,” she replied quickly, glancing back at the warmly lit house. “But Aiden, something’s come up. A woman came to my grandfather tonight, asking for help. Her brother is being forced to smuggle... something. She doesn’t know the details, but it’s across the border.” Aiden’s tone shifted instantly, his voice sharp. “Did she say who’s behind it?” “She didn’t know,” Silvana said, leaning against the porch railing. “But the way she described the people he’s dealing with—it sounds a lot like Orlov’s network.” Aiden exhaled deeply on the other end of the line. “Silvana, this is dangerous. If Orlov’s people are involved, we ca

The morning sun was just beginning to rise as Katarina pulled into the secluded property where Aiden’s team had regrouped. The journey back from the harbor had been tense, her mind racing with everything she had seen and heard. She hadn’t slept, and the weight of her findings—and her encounter with Nikolai—pressed heavily on her shoulders. As she parked her car, Aiden emerged from the house, his sharp eyes narrowing as he approached. He was always quick to notice when something was off, and Katarina knew she couldn’t afford to sugarcoat anything. “You’re back earlier than I expected,” Aiden said, his voice calm but probing. “I didn’t have time to waste,” Katarina replied, stepping out of the car and handing him the photos she had taken. “Orlov’s operation is bigger than we thought. And there’s more.” Aiden studied the images, his expression darkening. “Nikolai,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. Katarina nodded. “He’s working directly with Orlov’s men. He claimed he’s pl

Nikolai sat alone in his dimly lit apartment, the flicker of a single bulb casting long shadows on the walls. His hands trembled as he poured himself a glass of vodka, the liquid sloshing slightly as his nerves betrayed him. Tonight’s events had pushed him closer to the edge. Choosing to aid Aiden’s team was a gamble—a dangerous one—and he wasn’t sure if it would pay off. He downed the drink in one gulp, the burning liquid doing little to quell the storm in his mind. His phone buzzed on the table, snapping him out of his thoughts. The name on the screen sent a chill down his spine. Orlov. Taking a deep breath, Nikolai answered. “Yes, boss?” There was a long pause before Orlov’s deep, gravelly voice came through the line. “You disappeared during the attack. Explain yourself.” Nikolai leaned forward, his free hand gripping the edge of the table. “I was covering the perimeter like you ordered,” he lied, his voice steady. “When the shooting started, I took out two of them, but the