Ava sat in the back seat of the car, arms crossed tightly over her chest as she stared out the window, her jaw clenched. The city lights blurred into a streak of white and yellow, but Ava’s mind was far from the streets of downtown. She replayed every word Marcus had told them, every lead that went nowhere. They had no idea where the man was or even the exact family he worked for, and it felt like they were chasing shadows.
Giovanni glanced over at her from the driver's seat, his brows knitted in concern. “Ava,” he said softly, trying to reach her through the haze of anger and frustration that clouded her thoughts.
Ava didn’t turn to face him. Her silence was sharp and heavy, the tension in the car almost palpable. Giovanni could see her reflection in the window—eyes narrowed, biting the
