Emily’s POV

The glass-and-steel tower of Walker Capital towered over the financial district like a monument to cold, unyielding power.

By 12:55 PM, I was standing in the marble lobby, my heart hammering against my ribs as the high-speed elevator launched me toward the seventy-second floor. I had spent the entire morning trying to focus on my university lectures, but my mind was completely consumed by the lingering ghost of Daniel’s hands on my hips, the scent of his skin, and the terrifying promise he had whispered into my mouth before slipping into the dark.

“Be there at one o'clock. Don't be late.”

The elevator chimed, opening directly into the...