The sun began its slow descent over the skyline of Haven City, casting long, amber shadows across the manicured lawns of Violet Gardens. When Conrad Stone pulled into the driveway, the estate was bathed in a deceptive silence. He had expected to find the house empty, given that Celeste Lynn rarely left her office at Regency Global before the streetlights flickered to life, but something was off. The heavy oak front door was unlocked, a slight gap revealing the warm glow of the foyer.
Stepping inside, Conrad’s tactical instincts immediately went on high alert. He scanned the entryway, his eyes landing on a pair of white canvas sneakers kicked haphazardly near the rug. They were roughly the same size as Celeste’s shoes, but the style was all wrong. In the time he had known her, Celeste move
