Arem Zyke — POV
I wait outside Vale Corporation, fingers tapping a slow, restless rhythm against the steering wheel. The glass façade reflects the late light, but my mind is still stuck on Alex's words. He never jokes about Evan. If he says Evan is in a relationship, then it's real—and that truth scrapes against my nerves.
My phone rings.
Lion.
I answer without looking away from the building. "Speak."
"Good evening, boss." His voice is steady, professional. "As ordered, the men are watching sister-in-law's house. Twenty-four hours."
"Hire professionals," I say quietly. "I want details. Every face at Evan's door. Every meeting. Every second." A pause, then colder, sharper—"And put eyes on Alex. Constantly."
"Yes, boss."
The call ends. I exhale through my nose.
A shadow crosses the windshield. I glance sideways and see Gen approaching, calm as ever, that polite smile fixed in place like armor. Too gentle. Too clean. I don't like it.
"Thanks for picking me up, Arem," he says.
