The penthouse was unusually quiet the next evening. Isabella sat curled up on the couch, reviewing notes Victor had left about Antonov’s operations. The faint hum of the city beyond the windows was the only sound in the room, but her focus kept slipping. Her thoughts were drawn to Damien, who hadn’t returned since leaving earlier that morning.
Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, the screen lighting up with a message from Victor: Antonov’s move has begun. Damien’s still in the field. Stay put until I get there.
Her heart pounded as she reread the message. Damien hadn’t mentioned anything about today’s plans involving direct action. He’d left with his usual calm demeanour, telling her to “hold down the fort.” Now, knowing he was actively working to counter Antonov, a cold wave of fear wa
