Amara couldn't sleep.
The mansion was too quiet.
Too large.
Too unfamiliar.
The bedroom Alexander had given her was bigger than her entire apartment. A huge bed stood in the center, covered in soft white sheets, and long curtains moved gently in the night breeze.
Yet something about the room felt… wrong.
Amara sat on the edge of the bed, remembering Claire's words.
"Every woman who has loved Alexander Knight ends up ruined."
A chill ran down her spine.
She stood up and walked slowly toward the window.
The mansion grounds were enormous. Security lights illuminated the gardens, and guards moved quietly around the property.
It looked safe.
But after what happened earlier that day, Amara knew better.
Suddenly—
Click.
A small sound came from behind her.
Amara froze.
Her heart began to pound.
Slowly, she turned around.
The bedroom door was opening.
Very slowly.
Her breath caught in her throat.
"Hello?" she whispered.
No answer.
The door creaked wider.
A dark figure stepped inside.
Amara's heart nearly stopped.
"Who are you?!" she gasped.
The figure moved quickly.
Before she could scream, a hand suddenly covered her mouth.
"Quiet."
The voice was low.
Male.
Not Alexander.
Fear exploded through her chest.
The stranger leaned close to her ear.
"If you want to stay alive," he whispered, "you need to leave this house."
Amara's eyes widened.
The man released her slowly.
She spun around, her heart racing.
But before she could see his face clearly—
He disappeared into the darkness of the hallway.
Amara stood frozen.
What just happened?
Was he a thief?
An assassin?
Or someone trying to warn her?
Her thoughts were interrupted by another voice.
"Amara."
She nearly jumped out of her skin.
Alexander stood at the doorway.
His sharp eyes scanned the room immediately.
"Did someone come in here?"
Amara hesitated.
Should she tell him?
Or could Alexander himself be part of the danger?
Her voice came out shaky.
"I… I thought I heard something."
Alexander walked further into the room, his expression dark.
"This house has the best security system in the country," he said slowly.
"No one gets in here without my permission."
Amara's stomach tightened.
But she knew someone had been there.
She had felt his hand.
He had spoken to her.
Alexander stopped in front of her.
"You look scared."
Amara forced a weak smile.
"It's just been a long day."
Alexander studied her face for a moment.
Then he said something that made her blood run cold.
"You should be careful, Amara."
Her heart skipped.
"Why?"
Alexander's voice lowered.
"Because the person trying to kill me…"
His dark eyes locked onto hers.
"...might already be inside this house."