(Darius's POV)
The name hit me like a punch straight to the gut.
I stared at Steven, sure I had misheard him.
"What?" I gasped, unable to hide my disbelief as I sprang up from the chair.
Steven's voice was calm, steady, like he had expected this reaction.
Ayra's voice broke through, weak and disbelieving.
"Are you sure? Charlotte?"
Steven didn't hesitate.
"Positive. David said Charlotte hired him directly. He's been working small 'jobs' for her for a while now mostly digging up dirt, spying, doing things she didn't want traced back to her. This was supposed to be his final job. She promised him a huge payout if he succeeded — enough to cover his daughter's treatment."
I shook my head hard, trying to clear the roaring in my ears.
No. Not Charlotte.
"Charlotte?!" I knew she could be ruthless, especially when she was desperate for something... but this? Attempted murder?
Ayra looked like she was struggling to breathe, her face pale.
