The Safehouse
The door slammed shut behind them.
Theo didn't let go of Evelyn's wrist until he was absolutely sure they were inside. His heart was still pounding, adrenaline refusing to fade.
Evelyn pulled away first, rubbing her wrist. "I'm fine, Theo."
His jaw ticked. Fine? She was almost—
No. He couldn't even think about it.
Kade was already moving, locking every bolt on the door. "We need to talk."
Theo wasn't in the mood for talking. He turned to Evelyn, his voice sharp. "What the hell was that?"
She crossed her arms. "A mission that didn't go as planned."
Theo let out a bitter laugh. "You think?"
Kade sighed. "Look, Elias was one step ahead. He knew about the comms, the camera—"
Evelyn frowned. "But how? We were careful."
Theo's fists clenched. Because it's Elias.
"Doesn't matter." His voice was rough. "He knew. And he almost—"
He stopped himself. His fingers twitched. He almost took you.
Evelyn held his gaze. "But he didn't."
Silence.
A muscle in Theo's jaw flexed. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to force down the rage still boiling in his veins.
Kade sat on the couch, arms resting on his knees. "We lost the recording."
Evelyn inhaled sharply. "Which means we have nothing."
Theo shook his head. "No. We have him."
Evelyn frowned. "What do you mean?"
Theo's eyes darkened. "Elias showed his hand today. He played his move."
Kade nodded. "And now, it's our turn."
Evelyn tilted her head. "You're planning something."
Theo didn't answer.
Because yes—he was.
And Elias wouldn't see it coming.
---
4:30 PM – Elias's Penthouse
Elias poured himself a drink, watching the skyline as the sun dipped lower. His fingers tapped against the glass.
He wasn't angry.
No—he was intrigued.
Theo had moved faster than expected. And Evelyn? She was bolder than he gave her credit for.
Interesting.
The door behind him opened.
A man stepped inside. Dark suit, cold eyes. "We have a problem."
Elias chuckled, swirling his drink. "Do we?"
"Theo Bennett won't stop."
Elias smirked. "Of course, he won't." He turned, eyes gleaming. "And that's exactly what makes this fun."
The man hesitated. "Sir, should we—"
Elias raised a hand. "No."
The man fell silent.
Elias took a slow sip, savoring the burn. Then, he smiled.
"If Theo wants a war," he mused, "let's give him one."
---
The Plan
Theo leaned over the map spread across the table. Evelyn stood beside him, Kade on the other side.
"There's another way," Theo said.
Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Which is?"
Theo tapped the paper. "Elias thinks he won today. He thinks we're going to back off."
Kade nodded. "But we're not."
Theo's gaze hardened. "We hit him where it hurts."
Evelyn studied him. "And where's that?"
Theo met her eyes. "His empire. His power. His control."
A pause.
Evelyn's lips curled slightly. "You want to take him down from the inside."
Theo's smirk was razor-sharp. "Exactly."
Kade exhaled. "That's dangerous."
Theo's voice was firm. "So is letting him win."
Evelyn tilted her head. "And how do you suggest we do this?"
Theo leaned closer, his voice dropping.
"We play dirty."
A slow smile spread across Evelyn's lips.
"Oh, Theo." She exhaled. "I was hoping you'd say that."
Because Elias thought he was in control.
But he was about to learn—he wasn't the only one who could play this game.
---
End of Chapter 48