Chapter 1 - THE EVIDENCE BEHIND THE LOCKThe hotel suite overlooking the Chicago River was quiet, save for the low hum of the climate control unit and the faint, distant wail of a city siren.
I sat on the edge of the crisp white king-sized bed, staring down at my phone while the screen remained completely black. It had stopped vibrating three minutes earlier after the nineteenth frantic call from Lucas.
My ribs ached with a sharp, burning protest every time I took a deep breath, a constant reminder of the physical cost of my escape. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the cold realization gripping my chest.
Dante Romano stood near the floor-to-ceiling window, his silhouette dark against the neon glow of the skyline. He had given me sanctuary, a secure room, and absolute autonomy without demanding a single explanation or forcing a single move.
"You're thinking about the apartment," Dante said quietly, without turning around.
"I left my laptop," I whispered, my voice shaking. "And more than that... I left the hard drive in the floor vent."
Dante turned to look at me, his sharp gaze locking onto mine. "What’s on the hard drive, Madison?"
"Evidence," I answered, gripping the edge of the duvet. "Not just personal logs. Corporate fraud. Two years ago, before Lucas and I lived together, he was a senior compliance auditor for Romano Holdings. He didn't just manipulate my life; he systematically embezzled three million dollars from your Cicero warehouse acquisitions and framed an innocent mid-level manager to cover his tracks."
Dante’s expression didn't shift into surprise. It hardened into something infinitely more dangerous.
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"He stole from me," Dante said softly.
"He stole from everyone," I replied, standing up slowly despite the pain in my side. "And if I go back to that apartment to get it, he will be waiting. But if I don't, he will destroy it before morning."
