“I hope you’re ready to hear this,” Adrian’s voice was heavy, almost like a threat.

Vania shot him a sharp look. “If this is about Devandra, just say it. I’m done with half-truths.”

Adrian pulled a thick brown folder from his leather bag and set it on the small café table they’d chosen for its secluded corner. His movements were deliberate, as if he were handling something that might explode at any second.

“What’s this?” Vania asked, her fingers hesitating to touch the folder.

“Proof… that Mrs. Rika and Karen have been working together to bring Devandra down,” Adrian replied flatly, though his eyes studied her face as if to...