The message arrived at 11:43 p.m. No greeting. No explanation. Just a location and beneath it—
**“One conversation. No interruptions.”**
Adrian stared at the screen for a long time before responding. Then finally:
**“I’ll be there.”**
The building overlooked the city from the highest elevation point in the financial district. Not Carter Holdings. Not Elena’s residence. Neutral, private and untouched by memory. Which was probably intentional.
When Adrian arrived, the rooftop level was empty except for one figure standing near the glass railing. Elena.
The wind moved softly around her, lifting strands of dark hair across one shoulder. She didn’t turn immediately when he approached. She already knew it was him.
Adrian stopped several feet away. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The
