Olivia’s POV
The weight of Emily’s words pressed against my chest long after the screen went dark.
This is only the beginning.
I read the message again in my mind, each syllable dripping with venom. She hadn’t even bothered to hide behind anonymity this time. No shadows, no disguises — just her voice, sharp and certain.
Lucas paced the room like a storm contained within four walls, his shoulders taut, his fists clenched. I wanted to reach for him, to steady him, but the truth was, my own hands trembled too.
“She’s not bluffing,” he said finally, his voice low and rough.
“I know.”
“She’s smart enough to understand timing. She wouldn’t send a warning unless she already had her next move ready.”
I swallowed hard. “Then we prepare.”
He stopped pacing, his gaze snapping to mine. The fi
