STELLA’S POV
The night breeze touched my skin gently as I stood by the large window, staring out at New York City’s glowing lights. Everything sparkled from this high up—the cars, the buildings, the dreams of people chasing success. But success isn’t something you chase. You take it.
And I was ready to take it all.
Behind me, Samson poured himself a drink. The ice clinked in the glass, and he looked relaxed, confident—just the way I liked him. He wasn’t afraid to get involved in dirty work. Secrets didn’t scare him. He carried mine without flinching.
“We don’t have much time, Stella,” he said, walking toward me. “Stephen is getting better. He’s been walking around more lately.”
I nodded, still facing the city. “I know. I thought he’d be in a grave by now, not reading books and si
