Elena's POV
Julian's plan moved fast after that call.
The next morning, we sat at the dining table, barely touching breakfast. My phone lay between us—silent, but charged. Just in case.
"The agent's name is Micah," Julian said, eyes sharp. "Former intel. He'll shadow the exchange from a distance. Track where they take Anna. If they bring her."
I nodded slowly. "And the fake documents?"
"They're ready." He slid a folder across the table. Clean. Crisp. Official. "You give it to them. We play their game—but on our terms."
My chest tightened. "And if I fail?"
"You won't."
His certainty steadied me. For a second, I believed it too.
The meet was set for 2 a.m. Not a court. Not the company. An old warehouse on Hollow Creek. Julian's call—less exposure, fewer eyes, no press.
Micah was already positioned. Julian would stay hidden. I was the only one walking into the fire.
