Isabella’s POV
The world seemed to narrow, the chaos of the train station fading as Monalisa's words reverberated in my mind. Hand over the drive or watch everyone you care about die.
Alex's grip tightened on his weapon, his stance unwavering despite the odds. "You’re bluffing," he said, his voice firm. "If you had that much power, you wouldn’t be here yourself."
Monalisa’s smirk deepened. "Bold of you to assume I care about risk. I’m here because I enjoy watching people squirm."
I glanced at Alex, searching for a sign—a plan, a move—but his jaw was set in grim determination. The drive in my hand felt like a ticking bomb, every second stretching into eternity.
“What’s it going to be, Isabella?” Monalisa’s voice was laced with venom, her gaze piercing. “Your life, or theirs?”
I swallo
