Ruby's POV
That night at the castle hotel felt like a dream. The presidential suite was beyond anything I'd ever experienced, with its marble floors and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. My room connected to Elias's through an ornate sitting area.
Despite the luxurious king-sized bed and silk sheets, sleep eluded me completely. My mind raced with thoughts of Stanley's venomous threats from earlier. He wasn't the type to make empty promises. The malice in his eyes told me he'd stop at nothing to destroy anyone who threatened his position. I could only hope our paths would never cross again.
Dawn was breaking when exhaustion finally claimed me. Hours later, my phone's shrill ring jolted me awake. Groggily, I fumbled for the device, squinting at the bright screen.
An email notification from Zenith Headquarters stared back at me.
My heart stopped. Then I screamed loud enough to wake the entire floor.
