ise to be accidental. Someone had been close, dangerously so. Her fingers hovered over the screen, debating whether to call the poli

red, off-balance. But why? She thought back to the past-to Ethan, to the promises br

But she wouldn't. If someone thought they could

-

a spring. Reed's latest update offered no solace: Victor's actions were deliberate, but his endgame remained unclea

to dig deeper," he said without preamble. "Find out who's tar

dangerous territory. If Victor's involved,

y," Ethan snapped

-

lery, determined to resume some semblance of normalcy. But as she unlocked the

he scanned the room, her heart sinking when she spotted another black rose lying on the reception

bore a si

escape t

t how? The security system showed no breaches, and the cameras h

-

invited but undeterred. He found Elena pacing

g on?" he demanded as

him out, to keep him from the chaos that was consuming her. But she

she handed h

ad it. "This isn't random. Whoever's

embling. "But what am I supposed to do, Ethan? They're a

brushing hers. "We'll f

"Don't act like we're some team. You'

stead, he said, "I've already started looking

f he's

find ou

-

n. His connections and resources were invaluable, and despite her m

footage revealed nothing, the intruder's movements a ghostly enigma. Frustra

muttered, rubbing her temples.

ing through possibilities. Finally, he said, "Whoever this is, they're good.

silence. She glanced at the screen and fr

ld have

her voice barely a whisp

d answer, the

-

silence. A moment later, the faint sound of footsteps echoed from somewhere dee

ice low and urgent. "Stay clos

shadows, blocking their path. A single flashlight beam illu