The elevator ride down felt longer than the one up. My heart was still hammering from my encounter with Damien Wolfe, and my mind was spinning with his words.
Because I like knowing what people are hiding. And I always find out in the end.
He didn't just suspect me. He knew something was off.
As soon as I stepped out of the Wolfe Enterprises building, the night air hit me like a slap. The city buzzed around me-cars honking, distant chatter, neon lights flickering against the glass towers. But it all felt muted compared to the pounding in my chest.
I pulled out my phone, needing to ground myself. But the second I tapped the screen, a new message flashed across it.
Unknown Number: Get out while you still can.
A cold chill ran down my spine.
I glanced around, my pulse spiking. Was someone watching me? Following me? My instincts screamed at me to move, to disappear into the crowd.
Instead, I forced myself to take slow, steady breaths.
This could be a test.
Damien was known for playing mind games. For testing loyalty before someone even worked a full day in his company. What if this was his way of seeing how I'd react?
But then again... what if it wasn't?
Shoving the phone into my bag, I turned on my heel and walked swiftly toward the subway station, my heels clicking against the pavement. Every shadow felt sharper, every passing glance suspicious.
By the time I reached my small apartment, my nerves were shot. I locked the door behind me and exhaled heavily. My place was nothing special-just a tiny one-bedroom with peeling paint and secondhand furniture. But right now, it was the only place I felt safe.
I sank onto the couch, pulling my phone out again. The message was still there. No follow-ups. No threats. Just that single, ominous warning.
Who sent it?
I had been careful. No one was supposed to know why I was here. And yet, someone did.
I should have ignored it. I should have deleted the message and gone to bed.
But instead, I did something reckless.
I texted back.
Me: Who is this?
Seconds passed. Then minutes. Nothing.
I groaned, tossing the phone onto the table. Maybe it really was just a game. Maybe Damien wanted to rattle me before I even started.
But if that was the case... why did my instincts tell me this was something more?
I rubbed my temples, exhaustion settling in. Tomorrow was my official first day working under Damien Wolfe. If tonight was any indication, I was stepping into something far more dangerous than I'd ever imagined.
And the worst part?
I wasn't sure I wanted to walk away.