Alexander slipped his phone back into his pocket after sending the message to Cobra. His face softened as he walked to Kate, crouching low so his eyes met hers. He placed a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder.
“Everything will be fine,” he said quietly.
Kate looked up, tears streaking her face, then collapsed against his chest. She clung to him, sobbing into his shirt.
“Alex… I’m so tired. I can’t fight them anymore… I don’t know what else to do.”
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, letting her cry until her body trembled less. His eyes, however, remained cold, sharp with a silent promise.
“They won’t win,” he whispered into her hair.
---
Meanwhile, that evening at Ray’s Group headquarters…
Edward Zoe strutted into the marble-floored lobby, his shoes clicking in rh
