loor-to-ceiling window of her temporary guest suite, draped in a plush, charcoal-colored robe that smelled of expensive laundry detergent and nothing else. Her

deep, pulsing thrum in her joints from the cold rain and the sheer physical toll of the previous night.

echoed thro

ra said, turning

olding a digital tablet and a black garment bag. They stopped exactly six f

r said, her voice stripped of any warmth. "He e

rment bag on the bed, and retreated

sked, checking her tablet. "Your hear

ce smooth. She walked toward the bed, unzipping the bag. Inside was a tailored power suit in a shade

aid. "It is the only way he maintains control o

ol blend that felt substantial and protective. She had pinned her hair back into a sleek, low bun, leaving her face exposed and her amber eyes sharp. The red welt o

the sterile house. Cassian was sitting at a glass table, a tablet in one hand and a cup of black coffee in the other. He was

th and espresso hit h

n said withou

ee; she poured herself a cup from the silver carafe on

ned her, lingering for a fraction of a second on the mark on her neck before returning to her face. "As far as the public is concerned, Vespera Mor

tting her cup down with a soft, deliberate click. "I want an

under his chin. "You are asking for the keys to m

ffective if it knows where the arrows are coming from. I know the Morettis. I know Silas's gambling debts, Seraph

around him seemed to grow colder, more focused. "And why would yo

s chest hitching slightly, but he did not pull back. "You have the media empire. You have the power to turn a scandal into a national tragedy. I don't just want t

intense enough to burn. "You a

mercy is a luxury for the weak," she said.

tbeat, then pressed a button on his tablet. A holographic display projected between t

id, his voice dropping to a low, inti

alway

reached a fever pitch after the gala incident. The investors are looking for any sign of weakn

Vespera raised an eyebro

mirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Imagine their faces when

line. "I will need a ring. Something that

hed into his pocket and pulled out a smal

g, set in a band of platinum so delicate it looked like it was wo

voice turning stiff. "She was the only other

ooked at Cassian, her amber eyes reflecting the light of the d

or's

bit intimidating, don't you think? Cassian giving her his mother's ring sugg

scene. Vespera in that plum suit is a whole mood.

h like her father, or is that the only way to win this game? Also, I have a question for you:

your theories on what Silas Moretti is going