The air in Julian’s office was heavy, the blinds drawn to shut out the bright Vienna sun. Papers and photos were spread across his massive oak desk, the once-pristine surface now a chaotic display of threats. Julian stood at the edge, his jaw clenched as he examined the note Emily had received. It wasn’t just a warning—it was a declaration of war.
“Whoever did this got too close,” he said, his voice low but sharp enough to cut through the silence.
Across from him, his head of security, Gregor, shifted uncomfortably. “We’ve reviewed the footage, sir. There’s no clear shot of the individual who left the package. They stayed out of range of the cameras.”
Julian’s green eyes darkened. “Unacceptable. I don’t pay you to tell me what you can’t do.”
Gregor stiffened. “We’ve increased surveilla
