The message remained on Alex’s phone like a quiet threat.
The original… or the replacement.
No explanation.
No instructions.
Just a choice that made no sense.
Lena stared at the screen as if the words might rearrange themselves into something logical.
“They’re bluffing,” she said.
Her voice sounded calm.
But inside, something was cracking.
Alex didn’t respond immediately.
That was the first warning.
He was thinking too hard.
Marcus paced across the room, already analyzing. “It’s psychological pressure. Classic leverage strategy.”
Alex finally spoke.
“No.”
Both of them looked at him.
“This isn’t pressure,” he said quietly.
“It’s a test.”
A slow chill crept down Lena’s spine.
“A test of what?”
Alex locked his phone screen.
“Of how much we know.”
The estate had fallen in
