JAMES
His name settled in my chest like a verdict.
I didn’t move for several seconds. Didn’t shout. Didn’t call anyone. Panic was for men who reacted instead of retaliating.
“Hmm wrong move,” I said quietly.
One of the guards shifted behind me. “Sir,”
“Seal the perimeter,” I cut in. “Now.”
The broken lamp hadn’t shattered randomly. It had been placed where it would draw my attention. The smoke wasn’t meant to destroy,it was meant to announce.
“They wanted me to be angry?”My voice came out husky. I laughed dramatically
I wouldn’t give them that satisfaction.
I stepped onto the balcony and leaned over the rail.
“Bring me the footage,” I said into my phone. “All angles. No edits.”
A pause. “Sir… the cameras were looped.”
Of course they were.
I closed my eyes for a brief second,n
