Light rain fell over the city as Adrian received a short message from an unknown number.
No name.
No pleasantries.
We have the same enemy.
Tomorrow. 11:30 PM.
Old Riverside Parking Lot.
Come alone.
Adrian read the message twice.
The number was encrypted. Untraceable through normal channels.
He didn't need to guess for long.
Ethan.
Rafael stood in front of the desk.
"A trap?" he asked.
"Could be."
"If Marcus finds out about this.."
"Marcus already knows," Adrian cut in calmly.
Sophia, sitting in a chair near the window, looked up.
"You're going."
It was not a question.
Adrian looked at her.
"I don't have a choice."
Sophia rose slowly. Her pregnancy was now even more visible. But her gaze remained sharp.
"Don't bring your ego with you."
Adrian furrowed his brow slightly.
"What do you mean?"
"If Ethan truly realizes he's just a pawn… then he's desperate."
Adrian fell silent.
Desperation makes people dangerous.
But also honest.
11:27 PM.
