Chapter 48

The walls of my penthouse feel like they're closing in on me. I can't sit still. I've tried calling that bastard Julian Cross a dozen times, but he's gone completely silent.

Ever since he torched Sophia's house, he's been a ghost. That's what terrifies me the most—not knowing what he's planning.

If I don't know his next move, I can't counter it. Not like I did with Victor Graves.

I snatch my phone and dial Dominic.

"Boss?" He answers instantly.

"Any sign of him?" My voice is tight.

I don't panic. I don't get anxious. But right now, my gut is screaming that something is about to go very, very wrong.

A cold dread coils in my chest, refusing to let go.

"Nothing. It's like he vanished." Dominic's voice is tense. "No one's seen him in days."

When I found out Victor had been caught, I knew I had to act fast.

The cops would’ve broken him eventually. So I put a bullet in his skull before he could lead them back to me.

Turns out, I was right. The police were closing in. But I got to him first.

Men like him? They don’t have loyalty. He would’ve sold me out in a heartbeat to save himself.

I couldn’t let that happen. Not after everything I’ve built.

Victor died. The cops lost their lead. And I hired Julian Cross.

"Boss." Dominic’s voice snaps me back.

"What?" My mind races.

This isn’t like me. But something feels off. Like the ground is about to crumble beneath me.

"I said we’ll keep looking. We’ll find him."

I grit my teeth. "Find him. Now."

I hang up and resume pacing. Restless. Agitated.

This wasn’t the plan. Things were supposed to be under control. But now? Now I feel like time’s running out.

"Damn it!" My fist slams into the wall.

I can feel it. Everything I’ve done—every secret, every lie—is about to unravel.

And I don’t know if I’m ready for what comes next.

I grab my phone again and dial the only person who ever calms me down.

"Hi, Mom." I sink onto the couch, forcing my voice steady.

"Sweetheart!" Her voice lights up. "I’ve missed you so much."

Just hearing her makes the tension drain from my body.

"Missed you too," I murmur, suddenly feeling like a kid again.

All the fear fades, just for a moment.

"Not that I’m not thrilled, but why the call? Shouldn’t you be working?"

How do I tell her I needed to hear her voice one last time before everything falls apart?

"Just wanted to check in," I say roughly.

"Are you okay?" Concern laces her words.

I smile faintly at the old nickname. "Just work stress. Nothing serious."

"You need a break. Take a vacation. You’ve earned it."

Pots clatter in the background. Baking, no doubt.

"I will when things settle," I lie.

With the storm coming, I doubt I’ll ever get that break.

"At least take a weekend. Clear your head."

She’s right. If I can’t track Julian down, maybe I need to step back.

"Thanks, Mom." My throat tightens. "I needed that."

"I love you, sweetheart."

"Love you too."

An incoming call flashes—Dominic.

"Gotta go, Mom. Say hi to everyone."

"Don’t be a stranger."

I hang up and answer immediately.

"Talk." All softness is gone.

Silence. Then—

"We found him. He has Sophia."

The air leaves my lungs.

I grab my gun. "Send me the location."

It’s time to end this.

Evelyn M.M

The villain’s mask slips… Who do you think it is? Drop your guesses below!