Emma Pov
Emma did not sleep well that night.
She turned from side to side, her mind full of thoughts she could not quiet. Andrew's words kept repeating in her head. I'll find out.
She sat up in bed and looked around the dark room. Everything she owned was expensive. Everything was perfect. Yet she felt uneasy, like something fragile was about to break.
She picked up her phone.
No new messages from Trevor.
She told herself it was fine. People had lives. Still, she felt disappointed.
In the morning, she dressed slowly and went to the office. The building felt colder than usual. People greeted her, but she barely noticed.
Lisa followed her into her office.
"You didn't sleep," Lisa said.
Emma gave a tired smile. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yes," Lisa replied. "Andrew came by again last night."
Emma stiffened. "What did he want?"
"He asked questions," Lisa said carefully. "About your schedule. About who you see."
Emma sat down. "And?"
"I didn't tell him anything," Lisa said. "But he's digging."
Emma closed her eyes for a moment. "I don't want Trevor dragged into this."
Lisa nodded. "Then you need to be careful."
Emma leaned back in her chair. "I'm tired of being careful."
Across the city, Trevor stood outside the shared workspace again. He held his notebook tightly, like it could disappear if he let go.
Victor Langford was already inside, sitting at a desk with a cup of coffee.
"You came," Victor said.
"I said I would," Trevor replied.
Victor gestured to the chair. "Let's see what you've got."
Trevor opened his notebook and began explaining his ideas again. This time, Victor asked harder questions.
"How will you pay workers?"
"How will you compete?"
"What happens when you fail?"
Trevor answered honestly. "I don't know everything. But I know how people suffer. And I know I won't build something that hurts them."
Victor watched him closely. "You sound stubborn."
Trevor smiled slightly. "I am."
Victor nodded. "Good. Stubborn people survive."
He stood up. "I'll give you a small test. One week. Show me progress. If you're serious, I'll help."
Trevor's chest tightened. "Thank you."
Victor raised a finger. "No. Show me."
Later that day, Andrew sat in his office, speaking quietly into his phone.
"I want information," he said. "A man named Trevor. I don't care how small he is. Find him."
He leaned back in his chair and smiled slowly. "No one steps into my life without permission."
That evening, Emma finally received a message.
Trevor: Long day. I think something good is starting.
She smiled .
Emma: I'm happy for you. Be careful
Trevor: I will. You too
Emma stared at the screen, feeling both hope and fear.
Somewhere in the city, forces were moving.
And neither of them knew how close trouble was.