ADRIAN

“Who was that on the phone? And why are you sweating like that?” Kate asked as she stepped closer, her sharp gaze fixed on me.

“Oh, I’m sweating? I honestly had no idea,” I mumbled, wiping my face and realizing she was right. My skin was damp.

I hesitated, unsure how to explain. I couldn’t summon the courage to tell her that Rene had her claws in me now. Kate wouldn’t believe me anyway—not when Rene had already manipulated Cyril.

“Now you’re freaking me out,” Kate snapped, her voice tense. “Why aren’t you saying anything? First, you froze when you saw me walk in, and now you’re sweating under...