The city slept uneasily beneath the weight of tension. Elena’s mind did not. Every shadow, every whisper, every hint of movement raced through her thoughts. The shadow from the East had revealed himself, but the true test was still ahead — the revelation that would shake the foundations of everything she had built with Enzo.

Enzo’s presence was constant, a silent anchor beside her. They had returned to the villa after the first violent encounter with the syndicate, wounds both physical and mental etched into their bodies. He didn’t speak much, letting Elena’s thoughts run free, knowing she needed to process.

“I hate this waiting,” Elena muttered, pacing the grand...