I sighed, stretching my arms above my head as I looked at the massive mural slowly taking shape on the walls of Cole’s firm. Every brushstroke felt like a small victory, but there were still hours to go. Days, maybe weeks. And suddenly, the thought of leaving now—before finishing it—felt unbearable. I had to see this through.

“I guess I’m staying a bit longer,” I muttered to my assistant, who gave me a small, knowing smile. “Nothing personal,” I added quickly, though truthfully, everything about staying felt intensely personal. I had unfinished business—not just with the mural, but… with myself.

Meanwhile, in another corner of the city, Avida Lawrence’s sharp...