The night was restless, as though the city itself sensed something was brewing. Olivia sat by the window of the penthouse, the glittering skyline spread out before her like a blanket of false peace. Lucas had fallen into a light sleep on the couch across the room, his body taut even in rest, as though ready to leap to his feet at the slightest sound.
The intruder’s words wouldn’t leave her mind. Closer than your shadow. It wasn’t just a threat—it was a promise. Emily was no longer content to haunt their past; she was circling, waiting for the right moment to pounce.
Olivia pressed her hand against the cold glass, her reflection staring back at her. For the first time since her rebirth, she wondered if she had underestimated Emily. She had thought vengeance would be straightforward: build
