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Chapter 4:

The black envelope Adrian left me has been sitting on my dresser for a week. I haven’t opened it. I’m not sure if it’s self-control or fear.

I tell myself I don’t care, but I do.

Daniel texts me once, asking if I’m free on Friday. I make an excuse about an exam. I can’t face him until I understand what game Adrian is playing and why he’s suddenly playing it with me.

By Thursday night, the curiosity wins.

Inside the envelope, there’s no cash, just a single photo. Daniel and I are at the hotel bar, his hand brushing my thigh, both of us laughing. The shot is clear, sharp… taken from less than ten feet away.

I flip it over. On the back, in precise handwriting: “How well do you know him?”

Friday afternoon, I walk into The Harrington again, not because he summoned me this time, but because I want answers. Adrian’s already there, leaning back in his seat, nursing a whiskey like it’s part of his bloodstream.

“Stella,” he says with that low, deliberate voice. “I was wondering when you’d come.”

I dropped the photo on the table between us. “You follow me?”

“I watch things,” he says smoothly. “People’s Patterns., You’re interesting.”

Flattering, I say, leaning in, but I’m not in the market for a stalker.

He smiles faintly. I’m offering you protection. Daniel’s not who you think he is.

I tilt my head. “And you are?”

I’m someone who can make sure you don’t end up collateral damage when his world starts falling apart.

I keep my voice even. Why would it fall apart?

Adrian’s gaze sharpens, like he’s deciding whether to hand me the truth or just enough of it to keep me curious. Because Daniel’s about to lose something very big, and when men like him start to lose, they get sloppy, Dangerous.

The waiter appears, breaking the tension. We order, but I barely hear what I’m saying. My mind is already running, if Adrian’s telling the truth, Daniel’s life is about to get messy… and I’m standing right in the middle of it in six-inch heels.

Adrian leans forward just before the food arrives. You have two choices, Stella: Stay close to Daniel and risk going down with him… or work with me, and I’ll make sure you come out richer, cleaner, untouched.

I give him a cool smile, hiding the fact that my pulse is thudding in my ears. And what’s the price of your protection?

His smile widens, slow and dangerous. You’ll know when it’s time to pay.