Aliana’s POV

Rafael Dante.

The name clawed its way into my mind the second I heard it.

I didn’t recognize it, not in the way I recognized Freddy’s enemies—Viktor Kazan, Robert, the men who had tried and failed to take me down.

But the way Desmond said it—the way Freddy fell silent—told me everything I needed to know.

This wasn’t just another business rival.

This was something more dangerous.

Something deeper.

I didn't think twice.

I opened the door and stepped inside.

The atmosphere in the office was tense.

Freddy sat at his desk, his expression inscrutable, his fingers interlaced.

Desmond stood by the bar, arms folded, his typical grin...