The tension in the room hadn't yet settled when Thane's phone buzzed sharply, breaking the heavy silence. Both he and Mira froze. Slowly, Thane picked up the phone, his eyes scanning the screen.
His face paled for a moment, then hardened again.
“What is it?” Mira asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Thane said nothing as he opened the message. The contents were brief, direct, and laced with anger.
Hand over Ashford Enterprises, Thane. Or you’ll never see your son again...
Dante.
His grip on the phone tightened until his knuckles turned white. His jaw clenched, muscles twitching with insane fury.
“That bastard,” he growled through gritted teeth.
Mira moved closer, reading the message over his shoulder. Her knees nearly gave up their strength. “He… he really means it. He’s using
