The first hint of light touched the horizon, painting the city in gray-gold streaks. Natalie’s stomach churned, nerves tightening like steel bands around her chest. She clutched Adrian’s hand as they stepped out of the SUV, Ethan left safely in the mansion with the security team.
Adrian’s storm-gray eyes scanned the deserted pier, every shadow and ripple of water under scrutiny. “Stay close,” he murmured, voice low but commanding.
Natalie nodded, heart hammering. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”
“You are,” he said firmly. “Because we face it together. No matter what.”
The wind carried the faint sound of footsteps. And then, from the shadows, the figure emerged — the same man from the previous night, hood drawn, expression unreadable. But this time, he wasn’t alone.
Behind him, tw
