**MATEO'S POV**

Wednesday afternoon in London was the kind that sank into your bones-cold, grey, the kind of damp that made every window fog at the edges. I stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass in my office, phone pressed to my ear, watching rain streak the view of the Thames like someone had dragged wet fingers across the city.

"...So far it's all going well, sir."

"No need for that," I cut in, voice flat. "You'll receive your payment today. Thanks for keeping an eye on her for me."

A pause on the other end. Otto cleared his throat. "Thank you, sir."

I ended the call before he could say anything...