Chapter 49

The air in the room was thick with tension as Braxton’s smirk taunted Erica from across the dimly lit space. He stood up slowly, his tall frame casting a shadow on the wall, his eyes cold and calculating. His fingers tapped on the edge of the table, a deliberate move that signaled he wasn’t fazed by Julian’s gun or the intrusion.

"So, you’ve finally decided to confront me," Braxton drawled, his tone mocking. "Tell me, Erica. What exactly do you think you’re going to accomplish here?"

Julian’s gun was trained on him, but it was clear from the way Braxton stood that he wasn’t easily intimidated. Erica’s instincts told her this wouldn’t end with a simple conversation. She had learned to read these situations long ago, her father’s mercenaries drilling it into her: when a fight was inevitable, be ready before your opponent even realizes it’s begun.

"We don’t have time for games," Julian said, his voice sharp. "Tell us what you know about Ophelia’s plans and the connection to Erica’s fathe