Chapter 3: The Unspoken Terms

The Maybach tore out of the underground garage, its tires screaming against the asphalt as Daniel recklessly merged into the midnight traffic of the city.

Inside the cabin, the silence was suffocating, broken only by the erratic, shallow sounds of Elena’s breathing. The neon streetlights strobed across the interior, casting harsh, moving shadows over Adrien’s face. He sat beside her, his weapon now resting casually on his thigh, his dark eyes fixed on her with terrifying intensity.

"Take us to the Glasshouse," Adrien instructed Daniel through the privacy partition intercom.

"No," Elena blurted out, her panic overriding her self-preservation. "Take me to my apartment. I need my passport. I need to leave the city tonight."

Adrien reached out, his large hand clamping over her knee. The touch was branding, anchoring her to the seat. "Your apartment is a trap. If they bought my head of security, they already have a team waiting in your living room. The Glasshouse is off the grid. It's safe."