Heartbeats in the shadow

yet a flicker of determination ignited within. This was a chance to prove herself and protect everything

e asked, her voice steady de

is recent behavior has been erratic. I can feel he's playing both sides, and if he's in leagu

teeling herself.

to hers. "We'll confront him tonight. I'll handle the thr

potential for violence, but she steeled herself. She had come too far to back do

aken with adrenaline. They drove through the rain-soaked streets of Ashford, the city blurr

d, Eric's demeanor shifted. Gone was the collected businessman; now

ed, his voice low, as the

s. Eric scanned the room, his keen instincts coming to the forefront. Valerie's

in the back where Fred sat, nursing a drink and lea

twisted. "Are you

ric replied, his ex

Fred looked up, surprise flickering across his face before morphing

e low and dangerous. "Let's cut the

ly more interested in the brewing confrontation. "Okay, let's

"Lately, I've gotten some concerning intel about your inv

leaned back, folding his arms. "Is that how you sho

c shot back. "Don't test me, Fred.

ust a colleague; he had been with the organization for years.

g for a moment before he leaned forward, eyes glinting. "You want to know what I think?

linding you. The only thing we'll lose is

threatening glint in his eyes. "You should learn to play nice, E

tion, Eric's demeanor shifted. "Get out of here,

ot back, his smug smile transfor

Fred stood, pushing b