Chapter 1 - The Glass Shatters
Gilbert’s frantic whisper barely registered over the roaring in Evelyn’s ears.
8:53 PM.
Two minutes remained. She ignored her manager, gripped a fresh linen napkin with the folded cocktail note concealed in its crease, and walked straight back into the lion’s den.
She arrived at Table Four with an apology ready on her tongue. “Pardon the intrusion, sir. Replacing the soiled linen.”
As she leaned across Lorenzo’s shoulder, she pressed the folded note firmly beneath the heel of his palm. His skin was ice-cold. For a fraction of a second, his fingers clamped around her wrist with bruising strength. His dark eyes searched hers—sharp, calculating, entirely lethal. Evelyn didn't look down; she held his stare with unblinking conviction. Lorenzo felt the paper texture against his knuckles. He released her wrist, smoothly drawing the paper into his palm as Evelyn backed away.
Across the table, Celeste stood up with practiced grace. “Excuse me, darling. Powder room.”
Lorenzo unfolded the napkin beneath the table edge. His jaw clenched once, the only tell in an otherwise unreadable face.
8:55 PM.
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The floor-to-ceiling glass on the north wall didn't just break; it vaporized under concentrated automatic fire.
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