The morning light poured into the office, but Lucien felt none of its warmth. The penthouse looked calm from the outside, as if the city had no idea of the storm that still lingered inside these walls. Yet he knew better. Every corner, every silent monitor, every quiet footstep could hold a threat.
Seraphina appeared at the doorway, hair slightly mussed from sleep, eyes still sharp as ever. She carried a tablet, tapping through emails with methodical precision. “You need to see this,” she said without preamble, her voice calm but taut.
Lucien didn’t wait. He stepped closer, taking the tablet. The message was short. Just a line:
We know who you love. Make the wrong move, and she pays.
The screen felt heavier than steel in his hands. Lucien’s jaw tightened. He didn’t speak. He didn’t hav
