Mark's POV
A wave of worry crashed over me as I sank into the chair from Erick, my eyes locked on his with a mix of fear and accusation. "How did you know all of this?" I demanded, my voice low and even but laced with a simmering anger.
Erick's expression remained calm, almost detached, as he leaned back in his sofa, steepling his fingers together in a gesture that seemed almost... calculated. "Let's just say I have my sources," he replied, his voice dripping with an air of mystery that only fueled my frustration."
"I need to go right now." I declared sharply and rose from the plush sofa, "Wait." He said and reached for his jeans pocket; he brought out a folded brown envelope. "The most important thing is to save Mrs. Claire, but if you couldn't, I think she would like you to have this
