The Study – That Morning
The heavy door of the study clicked shut as the last of Adrian's men filed in. The room sank into a tense, loaded silence.
Adrian stood by the tall window, sleeves rolled up, one hand resting against the edge of the desk. Morning light spilled across the polished floor, carving sharp angles into his already unforgiving expression.
Stephen broke the silence first.
"The location was abandoned when we got there. Fresh signs — someone had been living there until just a few hours before. Clothes, toiletries, food wrappers… female."
He paused. "It was her. I'm sure of it."
Adrian didn't move.
One of the men, Stone, shifted uncomfortably. "Maybe someone tipped her off—"
Adrian's eyes turned slowly, sharp and cutting.
Silence.
