The echo of Phil’s laughter still lingered in the air as confusion and dread blanketed the room. My heart raced, my fingers twitching with the urge to run, but I couldn’t move. I stood frozen in the atrium, facing the man I thought was my greatest enemy, now claiming he was merely a pawn.
George stepped forward, gun drawn but lowered, eyes flicking toward me. Monica’s fingers hovered over her earpiece, trying to reestablish the lost connection.
“Who was that?” she asked sharply.
Phil’s smile faded into a cold, almost serene expression. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
George growled, “Tell us. Now.”
Phil raised his hands. “There are deeper layers to this game. You thought this was about you, Kim? About music and contracts? This is a stage. You’re just one of many acts.”
I moved toward
