Back in her room, she pulled out her mission phone and stared at it for a long moment before typing a message to Marcus.
I might have access to what we need. Soon. Maybe today. But something feels wrong. Like I'm being set up.
His response came quickly: Trust your instincts. But don't forget what's at stake. Your mother doesn't have much time.
As if she could forget. As if the weight of her mother's life wasn't crushing her every moment of every day.
She pulled out her laptop and reviewed everything she knew about the estate's security systems. If this was a trap, she needed to be prepared. Needed to have an exit strategy.
But part of her...a growing, treacherous part...wondered if maybe it wasn't a trap at all. Maybe Damien genuinely wanted to share this with her. Maybe he trusted her.
The thought made her feel sick with guilt.
Her work phone buzzed. A text from Lucy.
Mrs. Chen wants to see you in her office. Now.
Aria's stomach knotted. This couldn't be good.
