SHATTERED ILLUSIONS
~SIMONE'S POV~
I couldn't sleep after our decision to attend the auction.
The island felt peaceful in the pre-dawn darkness, waves splashing gently against the rocks below. But my mind wouldn't stop racing, replaying Baron's threat message and tomorrow night's impossible plan.
I found myself strolling through Nicholas's house, my bare feet silent on the cool stone floors.
The living areas were carved from natural rock, making the space feel ancient and timeless. Like a cave where secrets were meant to be kept.
Light spilled from under a door at the end of the main hallway. Nicholas's study.
I hesitated before knocking. We had spent the evening planning strategy with his security team, but there were things I hadn't said.
Things I needed to understand before we
