The deal was struck, but an uneasy silence lingered as the woman led them deeper into the heart of Marcus’s estate. Each step they took down the narrow passageways felt like walking toward an invisible noose tightening around their necks. Was this really the right move? Leila’s mind was a tangle of doubt and fear, but they had no other options. If this woman could get them into the vault, it might be their only chance to bring Marcus down. “Call me Maya,” the woman had said, her voice cool and steady. She moved with an unsettling calm as if the danger surrounding them was of no consequence to her. Leila couldn’t help but feel there was more to this woman than she was letting on. But what? Lily, still trembling from the earlier confrontation, clutched Leila’s arm as they followed Maya dow
