The island was too quiet.
Celeste stepped off the small boat, her boots crunching within the path of the gravel-protected dock. The air smelled like sea salt and antique roses. The villa loomed at the hill above—white stone walls, crimson roof tiles, and lengthy, shuttered home windows that watched like silent eyes.
No guards. No welcome party. Just stillness.
She took a deep breath and commenced taking walks. Her bag bounced on her shoulder, the notice from the hacker tucked deep inside.
"Trust no one.
If she smiles, run."
That was the warning.
But Celeste had come this far. Alone. No, Damien. No backup. Just questions.
She reached the villa’s arched front doors and knocked once. They opened before her hand could fall a second time.
A tall woman in a silk dress stood inside the d
