Julian ended the phone call with a sharp tap of his finger. The warm, romantic atmosphere inside the penthouse vanished instantly, replaced by a tense, icy stillness.

"Liam thinks he can run to the illegal docks and sell my family secrets," Julian said, his low voice carrying a dangerous edge. "He is wrong."

Evelyn stepped closer to him, her hand gripping his sleeve tightly. "I am coming with you, Julian. If he is at that auction, he might be carrying my father's stolen notes too."

Julian looked down at her small, determined face. He wanted to keep her safe inside the penthouse, but he saw the fierce fire in her...