Julian stepped through the entrance of La Séduction, his sharp green eyes scanning the room like a predator scenting danger. The moment he spotted Emily, a rush of relief surged through him—only to be swallowed by something darker.
She was sitting across from Laurent Devereux, clutching an envelope, her face drawn in hard lines of suspicion and doubt. Two men flanked the table, their postures deceptively casual, but Julian knew better. These weren’t just bystanders.
It was a setup.
Julian’s hands curled into fists as he strode forward, his presence immediately drawing attention. Devereux leaned back in his chair, that smug, practiced smile spreading across his face.
“Ah, Julian. Right on time.”
Emily turned at the sound of his voice. For a fleeting second, something flickered in her e
