Sophia gripped his hand tightly, clearly agitated.

But the call wasn't from Waterfield.

Derek picked up, "Atlas."

A cold, low male voice came from the other end, "I can help you. But if I do, the deal we made before is off."

Derek had previously gone to Brayden and struck a deal with Atlas—help in exchange for a favor later. It was all for Mason's future.

The higher you climb, the riskier it gets. You always need a few ...