Grace stared at the crimson key in Julian Creed’s outstretched palm, her heartbeat pounding louder than the wind howling around them on the balcony. The city glistened far below, unaware of the battle for power waging above its skyline.
This was no ordinary key.
Julian smirked as he held it higher between his thumb and forefinger, like a god taunting fate. “One key. One vault. One truth.”
“You want immunity,” Grace said flatly, her arms folded across her chest. “From what exactly?”
Julian coughed, his body frail in the moonlight. “From prosecution. From Phoenix Labs. From the Ashford Estate. I want out with whatever’s left of my dignity, and my money.”
Grace eyed him carefully. “Why would I trust you? You’ve tried to ruin me and Nathaniel. You built your empire on blood and betrayal.”
