Chapter 35

The sprawling estate of Victor Laroche came into view as the private jet descended toward a small airstrip hidden amidst the rolling hills of the French countryside. The late afternoon sun bathed the landscape in golden light, making the vineyards and lush green fields appear peaceful, serene. But Erica knew better. Beneath the beauty, there was danger lurking.

She glanced at Julian, who had shifted back into his usual focused demeanor, his face unreadable as he stared out the window. The brief moments of vulnerability they had shared on the plane were gone, replaced by the cold reality of the mission ahead.

"Once we land, my contact will take us directly to Laroche’s estate," Julian said as he fastened his seatbelt. "The man’s cautious, and for good reason. We won’t have much time to convince him before Ophelia’s people catch wind of us being here."

Erica nodded, checking her phone for any updates. There was still radio silence from Amanda, who was back home keeping tabs on any movem