The estate smoldered behind them as dawn crept across the horizon.
Flames devoured the last remains of a life Kiera had long ago buried — her father's wealth, his secrets, the house that had once symbolized power and corruption alike. Now it was ash.
But Victor Hale's message burned far hotter in her mind.
You passed the first test.
He hadn't been trying to win.
He'd been measuring her.
Kade watched medics load the rescued director into an ambulance, relief washing over his features — but it didn't erase the tension carved deep into his jaw.
"He wanted you alive," Kade said quietly.
"Yes," Kiera replied. "He wanted me shaken."
"But you weren't."
She shook her head slowly. "I was. But I didn't break."
Which meant Victor would escalate.
Always escalate.
Back at the command center, exhaustion pressed heavily on everyone — but no one slowed down.
They reviewed footage.
Mapped movements.
Tracked vehicles fleeing the estate.
