Julian's phone buzzed, cutting through the quiet of his office. Madeline glanced up from her book on the couch as he picked up.
"He's here," a voice on the other end confirmed.
Julian didn't need clarification. He set the phone down and adjusted the cuffs of his tailored jacket.
“Is this it?” Madeline asked, her tone soft but steady.
“Yes,” he replied. “It’s time to end this.”
Madeline stood, her expression calm yet resolute. “Do you want me to come with you?”
Julian shook his head. “This is something I have to do alone.”
Her hand brushed his arm as she said, “Then finish it—for good.”
The conference room was cold, the air thick with unspoken tension. Julian strode in, his polished shoes clicking against the marble floor. Ethan was already seated, his disheveled appearance a stark
