The city glittered below Ethan’s penthouse, skyscrapers stabbing into the night sky. But inside, the air was heavy with tension.

Aria curled against Ethan’s chest, tracing idle patterns across his skin. She wanted to believe his vow from the night before—that they could face the rival together. But the ache in her chest lingered, a shadow she couldn’t shake.

“What if she finds more?” she whispered, almost afraid to break the silence.

Ethan’s hand stilled in her hair. “Then ...