The sun was bright and cold, casting sharp shadows over the expensive pavements of Midtown. Two days had passed since the terrifying visit from the debt courier, and the air in the penthouse remained thick with unspoken dread. Alexander had left early for a high-stakes board meeting, telling me only, “Stay inside. Marco will escort Clara to her appointment at the museum wing at 3:00 PM. You are not to stray from the route.”

But I couldn't bear the silent waiting anymore. The satellite ...