but instead, an unsettling stillness had settled over her. She and Jack had retreated to the shadows, waiting for Rebecca to ver

r-Nathan would retaliate if he caught wind of their plans. That thought alone kept her on edge. Each time he

out her father and the life he had once lived. Memories flooded back-him laughing in their backyard, the smell of freshl

he entered, his expression a mixture of

What is it? Did Rebe

hone with her-she's ready to go public with the story, but she wants to meet us again. Sh

f emotions. "When

m as he spoke. "We need to make sure everythin

ws?" Mia asked, a knot t

estimate him. He's smart and ruthless. If he catc

cing. "We have to be ready for anyt

on in his gaze. "That's the spirit

unfolding, and for the first time in a long while, she felt like she was in control. She and Ja

he city, away from the watchful eyes of Nathan's network. The place was cozy, dimly l

ecca sitting in a corner booth, her laptop open in front of her, surrounded by papers

id, gesturing for them to sit.

she settled into the bo

n. They've been involved in several questionable deals together, and I have documents that could prove it. But I also discovered

ations dawning on her. "So, if Garrick goes

more dangerous than ever. He'll do whatever it takes to protect hi

run down her spin

have to make sure Nathan is distracted. If we can draw his attention away

"And what about Garrick? We still n

up-a charity event where Garrick will be in attendance. It's the perfect opportunity

e do that? We can't just wa

ct who can get us inside. We can orchestrate an encounter that'll make Garrick look guil

waiting for. They could strike a blow against Nathan and his empir

id, her voice fir

d closely with Rebecca to refine their plan, each detail meticulously outlin

dressed in a sleek black gown that clung to her figure, her hair elegantly pinned up. She barely recognize

s he appeared in the doorway, dressed in a sharp suit th

, her voice steady despite the whirl

ver fully been a part of, a world filled with glitz and glamour that masked the da

d intricate decorations, Mia felt a thrill of adrenaline. Guests mingled, laughter e

ted corner. "We need to stay close to Garrick," he whis

she could feel the weight of the night pressing down on her. This was not just a gala; it was the ba

g with a group of well-dressed elites. The man exuded an air of confidence that m

said, her voice low

on Garrick. "We'll create a diversion and then cor

s was the moment they had worked toward, and she couldn't affor

e keeping an eye on Garrick. As the gala reached its peak, Rebecca signaled

they approached Garrick. The atmosphere b

forward with a confident smile. "Gla

fore it was replaced by a guarded smile. "Jack! What a

cing. "We have some matters to di

, a flicker of concern crossing

thly, gesturing toward a quieter corner

e way, his demeanor shifting as he fell into step beside them. As they mo

ase, and Jack turned to Garrick, his tone turning

e you talking about?"She showed hi

d as he glanced at the scree

"What matters is that your secrets are ou

first time, Mia saw the panic in his eyes.

r," Mia said, her voice cold. "A