First message
The man didn’t flinch when the gun went off.
The crack split the room, followed by a body hitting marble. Blood spread fast, creeping toward Lucien Virelli’s shoe. I don’t look down. “Clean it,” I adjusting my cuff. My voice is quiet. Final. Behind me, chaos moved. I ignore it. My attention was already elsewhere.
On You.
You stand there across the room, a woman who didn’t belong. She wasn’t screaming. Wasn’t running. She was just looking at me.
I stilled. Everyone else avoids my gaze. Knowing better. She didn’t. Not bold. Not defiant. Just… steady.
I step forward. Slow. Measured. She doesn’t move. Up close, I took her in—no weapon, no panic. Fear, yes—but controlled.
Interesting.
“You,” The word landed sharp.
“No one gets in here by accident.”
“Which means… you’re either very stupid…”
I step closer, close enough to feel the heat from your body.
“…or very important.”
A flicker crossed your face. Not fear. Something sharper.
“Let’s find out which.” My tone both curious and lethal.