A sense of determination surges through me. I’ve been the driving force behind this operation, the one making the tough calls, ensuring everything moves forward. With or without her, I will succeed. I’ve faced obstacles before, and every time, I’ve emerged stronger. This is no different. If anything, her absence only reinforces my resolve. I won’t let doubt creep in. I won’t let anyone stand in my way. This is my path, my vision, and I will see it through to the end.The safehouse feels unnervingly quiet without Lydia’s sharp heels clicking against the floor, without her crisp, commanding voice snapping orders that once filled the space with an undeniable energy. Now, the silence presses in, heavy and unfamiliar. I sit at the head of the table, files spread before me, attempting to concentrate, but my thoughts keep drifting. Olivia’s constant fidgeting doesn’t help her tapping fingers, shifting weight, and restless sighs gnaw at my patience. I clench my jaw, forcing myself to focus, b

Justin’s spy provided a detailed report on Zac’s scheming. Zac had taken Brianna out on a romantic date, showering her with attention, but behind the scenes, he had orchestrated a sinister plan. He intended to have Brianna kidnapped, only to stage a heroic rescue, making himself appear as her savior. Justin, furious at the deception, discussed the situation with Mary. They both realized the stake if Zac succeeded in winning Brianna’s heart, he would solidify his influence and possibly remain CEO indefinitely. They needed to act fast to expose his manipulation before Brianna fell for his well-crafted lies.In the dim glow of his penthouse, Justin stalked back and forth, his jaw clenched, hands balled into fists. Each step echoed with frustration, his mind racing with possibilities. On the sleek leather sofa, Mary reclined with an air of calculated calm, her sharp eyes tracking his movements. She swirled the golden liquid in her champagne flute, the rhythmic tapping of her nails again

The phone feels heavy in my hand, Lydia’s contact glaring at me from the screen. My thumb hovers over the call button. No. I shove the phone back into my pocket. Tate’s blood still stains my knuckles, the metallic scent clinging to my skin. I got what I needed from him, Justin's plan, the location of the fake evidence. But now… Do I let Zac fall? Or stop it? The question gnaws at me as I pace the empty safehouse. Olivia and Eddy are out gathering intel, leaving me alone with my thoughts. And the one person I want to talk to the one person whose strategic mind could untangle this mess is the same person I just drove away. I returned to the underground cell, the air still heavy with the scent of sweat and blood. Tate looked up, his swollen eyes filled with wariness. I crouched beside him, my voice low and sharp. "Listen carefully. You never speak of this. If Justin finds out you talked, he’ll see it as betrayal and we both know what he does to traitors." Tate swallowed hard