Alexia remained still, eyes closed, her breathing slow and even—too even. Her heart raced beneath the calm façade, the echo of Elliot’s whispered confession vibrating in her chest.

The truth is... I... I love you.

He didn’t move. The weight of his own words anchored him, caught between regret and something softer—relief?

Alexia felt the air shift as he exhaled, heavy and drawn. Her mind spun, questioning whether to react, to speak—to let him know she’d heard every word. But she didn’t. Instead, she shifted, the faintest movement. It was enough.

Elliot tensed.

Did she hear?

He hesitated, then let out a sigh, his voice a whisper. “What am I doing?”

She felt the shift in the cushions as he leaned back against the couch, head tilted toward the ceiling, lost in thought. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. The sound of her soft, steady breathing grounded him, tethering him to the moment.

But then he moved.

Alexia felt it before it happened—the deliberate way he leaned forward, slipping his arms beneath her. She kept her body limp, her breathing unchanged as he lifted her gently, as though afraid she might shatter.

Her heart pounded, but she didn’t flinch.

Elliot carried her through the dim suite, the warmth of his hold betraying more than he ever said aloud. She knew where he was taking her before they even arrived.

The bed.

He laid her down with a tenderness she hadn’t expected, his hands lingering for a second too long before he pulled away. She felt the shift of air as he stood there, debating—leave or stay?

The mattress dipped.

Elliot slid in beside her, not too close, but close enough that she could feel the heat of his body. For a moment, everything stilled.

She listened—his breathing was slow and deepening as sleep crept over him.

Only then did she let herself breathe again.

The warmth beside her was gone.

Alexia’s eyes slowly open, the soft glow of morning filtering through sheer curtains. For a moment, there was peace—until the scent hit her.

Coffee.

She sat up, the cool sheets a stark contrast to the lingering warmth. Elliot had been there. But not anymore.

Stretching, she slipped out of bed, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. The faintest sound of movement guided her toward the open-plan kitchen.

She stopped short at the sight.

Elliot stood at the stove, sleeves pushed up, coffee in one hand, flipping pancakes with the other. Blueberry pancakes—the scent of sweet and unmistakable.

For a moment, she just... watched.

“You’re awake,” he said without turning.

She leaned casually against the island counter. “You cook?”

“I know how to follow instructions.”

“I don’t see a recipe.”

He shot her a sidelong glance. “You think I need one?”

A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she stepped closer. The smell of coffee was strong—just the way she liked it. Her gaze dropped to the pancakes, perfectly golden.

“You remembered,” she murmured, trying to sound casual.

“Of course I did,” he replied, the words simple but heavy.

Something in her chest tightened, but she masked it by swiping a piece of pancake straight from the plate, popping it into her mouth.

“I was plating that.”

“Tastes good. Didn’t know you had it in you.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, there was nothing else.

“True,” she agreed softly.

The air shifted—unspoken words hanging between them—but Elliot broke it first, flipping the last pancake.

“Sit,” he said. “I’ll bring you a plate.”

And she did.

The estate’s private conference room buzzed with a quiet tension as Elliot, Ben, Ava, Alexia, Harris, Sarah, Steven, and Anna gathered around the elongated glass table.

Harris stepped forward, a tablet in hand. “We found five minor breaches—nothing catastrophic, but someone’s testing our defenses. Small gaps. Timed irregularities in patrols. Subtle, but intentional.”

Steven added, “We think someone on the inside is relaying security patterns. It’s not random.”

“This is escalating, isn’t it?” asked Alexia.

Before Elliot could respond, the door opened, and Mae Chenco, followed by Stella Williams, Aaron Shultz, and David Parsons, entered the room. They carried themselves with quiet authority, but Ava’s eyes sharpened the moment they walked in.

Elliot stood. “Mae, your team’s findings?”

Mae launched into her debrief, laying out the vulnerabilities they’d found within Elliot’s tech company. “We’ve identified anomalies in data logs—potential leak points. We’re still reviewing the surveillance tapes, but nothing solid yet.”

Ava said nothing at first, only tapping her stylus against her tablet. Her mind was already dissecting Mae’s report, noting patterns Mae had missed. When Mae finished, Ava finally spoke. “You’re certain there were no irregularities in the staff’s access logs?”

Mae hesitated a second too long. “We reviewed them twice. Nothing unusual.”

Ava’s silence was heavy. She didn’t need to argue. She had already spotted three inconsistencies. She’d dig deeper—but alone.

Elliot nodded to Mae. “Thanks. Have your team step into the adjoining room. Ava will want to review your footage before the day’s out.”

The four agents left, the tension trailing after them.

As soon as the door shut, Ava leaned in. “She’s missing something. Or ignoring it.”

Ben agreed. “I don’t trust Mae’s instincts. She’s too surface-level. We will go and check the system tonight.”

“I will work from here. What time are you thinking?”

“Around 2 am. I’ll confirm later today,” said Ben.

“Tell them they can leave, and we’ll contact them tomorrow,” said Elliot.

“Sounds perfect. We’ll discuss further later,” said Ava.

Alexia cut in through the tech talk. “Let’s get out of here. I know where we need to go.”

“You’re thinking wine?”

“I must introduce you to Mali and Lali,” Alexia grinned. “Upscale liquor store. Unbelievable place.”

Ava put her right hand on her stomach. “You know I can’t drink right now.”

“They’ve got more than wine. And something you’ll want.” Alexia winked.

The estate’s calm shifted as Alexia, Ava, Sarah, and Anna headed toward the SUV parked near the main drive. Steven sat behind the wheel, ready to take them into town, while Ben and Harris followed in a second vehicle, maintaining backup at a distance.

“Ready for Mali & Lali?” Alexia grinned, sliding into the front seat.

Ava chuckled. “You know I can’t drink right now.”

“They’ve got plenty more than wine,” Alexia replied. “Trust me.”

The SUV wound through the quiet streets, the city lights glowing as they neared the upscale liquor store. Mali & Lali wasn’t just known for its wine; it was a hidden gem, stocked with rare finds and hand-selected imports.

Inside, Alexia led the way, selecting bottles while Ava focused on gourmet non-alcoholic options. Sarah and Anna lingered near a display of fine cheeses, exchanging quiet conversation.

Steven kept a watchful eye, blending in while discreetly monitoring the store. Through his earpiece, he heard Ben’s voice, steady and alert. “All clear on our end. No tails.”

“Copy that,” Steven replied, eyes on the entrance.

They left the store with black, sleek Mali & Lali tote bags in hand.

Back at the estate, the patio was already lit with soft overhead lights. The group gathered around the large outdoor table as Alexia unpacked the haul.

“Told you they had more than wine,” Alexia said, passing Ava a premium sparkling grape juice.

Ava examined the bottle. “High quality. I approve.”

The fridge held pre-prepped meals with a handwritten note taped to the top: “For you all—just heat and enjoy.” Alexia smiled, grabbing the containers.

Dinner was simple—heated and served on the patio. Laughter filled the air, mingling with the clink of glasses and the distant sounds of the estate grounds.

Ben leaned toward Harris. “We leave at 2 am for the tech company. I want to check out Mae’s team before they cover their tracks.”

Steven overheard. “Need a lookout?”

Ben nodded. “You’re in.”

As the night wound down, Elliot raised his glass. “Tomorrow, we’re back in it. Tonight—this.”

“Don’t get soft on me,” said Alexia.

Elliot gave her a faint smile. “One glass. Don’t push it.”

The moment felt fragile—peace before the storm.

As the others drifted away, Elliot caught Alexia’s eye. “Join me in my suite?”

She hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Sure.”

They sat on the couch in Elliot’s living room area, the conversation started easy but then turning into quieter moments.

“These last few days,” Elliot began, “they’ve been… unpredictable.”

“You’re not used to unpredictable.”

“Not when it’s this close.”

The words hung between them before fading into silence. Elliot shifted closer, his eyes searching hers. Then, without warning, he kissed her. It was slow, deliberate, with an unexpected softness.

Alexia didn’t pull away.

Elliot deepened the kiss, walking her into the bedroom.

The clock struck 2 am. Ben, Harris, and Steven left the estate under the cover of darkness, slipping into an unmarked SUV. Ava remained behind, manning Elliot’s command center from the estate.

They arrived at Elliot’s tech company, the towering glass building silent under the night sky. Inside, David Parsons was waiting, his arms crossed.

“You were right,” David greeted Ben. “Mae’s been digging into places she shouldn’t.”

They moved through the quiet hallways, reaching the surveillance hub. On the screens, Mae was visible, seated at a terminal, fingers flying across the keyboard.

“Caught her in the act,” Harris muttered.

Ben didn’t hesitate. “Let’s go.”

They burst into the room. Mae shot up from her seat, guilt splashed across her face.

“You’re done,” Ben said flatly.

Mae made a move to run, but Steven blocked the exit. Ben handcuffed her.

“Let’s fix this mess she created,” said Ben.

They spent the next three hours reversing her system hacks before loading Mae into the SUV. They returned to the estate around 6:30 am.

Beneath the mansion, in an underground holding area only known to Elliot, Ava, and Ben before tonight, Mae sat cuffed in silent defiance.

Elliot stood beside Ava, both of them watching from behind the glass.

“She wasn’t working alone,” Ava said.

“We’ll use her to find out who is,” Elliot replied.

Above them, Alexia stirred awake in Elliot’s suite. Finding the mansion eerily quiet, she wandered to the kitchen but found no one.

She pulled out her phone and texted Elliot. Where is everyone?

The reply was instant. Go back to the suite. I’ll be there soon.

Alexia returned to Elliot’s suite, settling on the couch. Moments later, he walked in.

“Where is everyone?” she asked.

Elliot hesitated for a moment.

“The truth is… they’re…”