Chapter 55

The tension in the air was palpable as Erica and Julian left Victor’s office. The rain had stopped, leaving the streets slick and gleaming under the city lights. Erica walked beside Julian, her mind spinning with the implications of Victor’s words. They were about to step into something much bigger than either of them had anticipated—a game with players far more dangerous than Ophelia. But she couldn’t afford to be afraid. Not now.

As they reached the car, Julian paused, his hand resting on the door. He glanced at Erica, his eyes searching her face for something. "You handled that well," he said, his voice low and measured.

Erica looked up at him, surprised by the compliment. She had felt anything but confident back in Victor’s office, but she had pushed through, determined to stay strong in the face of everything. "Thanks," she said, her voice quiet. "But this isn’t over."

Julian nodded, his jaw tightening. "No, it’s not. But we have a chance now—a real one."

Erica leaned against the