Scarlett’s POV
The file with my father’s name on it sat on the desk like a wound that refused to close. Every time I looked at it, the words blurred, but the truth didn’t change. He had been part of Kade’s empire. He wasn’t just collateral damage, not just an innocent man who got caught in the crossfire.
He had chosen.
And that knowledge was a blade twisting in my chest.
Damien paced the length of the safehouse living room, his jaw tight, his eyes like storm clouds. He hadn’t stopped moving since we got back. Every time his gaze flicked to me, it was a war between anger, fear, and something deeper, something I didn’t dare name.
“You’re shaking,” he said finally, stopping in front of me. His voice was softer than I expected, but it carried an edge.
I looked down at my hands. He was ri
