g about Donovan-it all replayed in her mind like a film on repeat. She sat at her small desk in her apartment, laptop open, sta

ething different about him. He wasn't just powerful; he was dangerous. And not in the traditional sense. It wasn't just his wealth or influenc

her entire career chasing stories, and she had a nose for the ones that mattered.

her concentration. It was a

et me at the Lakesi

t skipped a b

ut-of-the-way spot near the edge of the city, known for its privacy. A place where no one would t

t she was stepping into something far more dangerous than she had anticipated. Bu

rge windows overlooking the lake. He wore a simple dark coat, a contrast to the elegance of the

the seat across from him, her heart racing. There was a tension in the air,

exander said,

ilia replied, h

é-clinking cups, murmured conversations-faded into the bac

eyes locked on hers. "You shouldn't be

ow. "You're the one wh

"I know. But it's dangerous. You don'

milia said, her voice firm

hing his options. Finally, he leaned back in his chai

said quietly. "There are things in my pa

een waiting for. But she didn't press him, letting the sile

everything from the ground up. But the higher I climbed, the more dangerous

s darkening. "Dono

n Donovan was involved in something shady, but she

want from yo

pire-for his own gain. But I've refused to play his game. That's why you

es to the puzzle that hadn't yet fallen into place. But one thing wa

his last night," Emilia sa

r replied, his gaze softening. "But after Donov

ore than that, Alexander. You've made me

nt, Emilia thought he might lash out. But inste

e involved, you need to understand the risks. Donovan won't stop un

er, but this was something different. This was personal

o stop him," she sa

u can't. The only thing you c

replied, her eyes blazing with deter

en aback. He stared at her, his steely composure cracking for just a

milia," he said softly. "That's

lied, her voice firm. "Not until I

away again. But instead, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a smal

thing you need to know about Donovan. But

en waiting for. But the weight of the decision pressed down on her like a thousand pounds. Did sh

nvelope. His eyes were dark, filled with a mix of warnin

s?" he asked, his voice

rs closing around the envelope. "I'v

Alexander and Emilia sit at a corner table, their faces serious as they exchange an en