Everything changed in an instant.
One second, Amelia was standing between Damien and Edward, Daniel's file clutched tightly in her hands.
The next, every instinct in the room shifted toward a new threat.
Ethan. Armed. With Evelyn.
Damien's expression hardened immediately.
The brief glimpse of vulnerability Amelia had seen moments earlier vanished behind cold precision.
He turned to Robert.
"Where?"
"The east wing."
Robert touched his earpiece. "Second floor. Former administration offices."
"How many exits?"
"Three confirmed. Possibly more."
Damien nodded once.
"Lock down the perimeter. Nobody goes in alone."
Edward let out a quiet laugh.
The sound scraped against Amelia's nerves.
"You still think this is a security problem."
Damien ignored him.
"Robert, take two men aroun
