The night felt endless.
Not quiet.
Not peaceful.
But stretched—like something was waiting to snap.
Isabella Vicks stood alone in the penthouse, staring out at the city lights that once brought her comfort. Tonight, they meant nothing.
Because Damien Hayes was out there.
Alone.
Walking straight into a trap.
Her fingers tightened around the glass of water in her hand, though she hadn’t taken a single sip. Her mind replayed everything over and over again—the message, the location, the way Astra had spoken.
Too confident.
Too controlled.
Too prepared.
“This isn’t right…” she whispered to herself.
And the moment the words left her lips—
She knew she couldn’t stay still.
Back at Hayes Company
Within thirty minutes, Isabella was back inside Hayes Company, moving with purpose. The
