The man arched an eyebrow, his tone laced with mock surprise. "What a coincidence, huh?"

Simone, still refusing to believe it, shot back, "This has to be another one of your schemes to turn us against each other!"

Seeing her skepticism, the man signaled to his assistant. "She doesn't believe me? Fine. Stream my conversation with his guy for her to see."

"Yes, sir."

With that, the man left Simone behind and headed downstairs, leaving his assistant to set up the live stream as instructed.

After a few moments of fussing with the equipment, the screen flickered to life. Simone watched as the feed revealed the man sitting across from someone- Leonard's most trusted assistant. There was no mistaking him.

A cold weight settled in Simone's chest.

Leonard hadn't come. He'd gone to rescue Aurora.

Suddenly, the strange voice of the masked man echoed through her phone. "From what I know, Miss Lerman was the first to be kidnapped. And yet, Leonard didn't come for his own sister; he chose to save Aurora first?"

Simone's fists clenched involuntarily.

"Whatever you want, just

in person. Here's the deal-call him right now. Tell him that if he doesn't come today, I'll

way above his

cold, unmistakable voice rang out-clear enough for Simone to


that's the best he can do? Fine. Let him go ahead

face drained

registered the rest of the conversation.

go

was released, more

hair was a tangled mess, her clothes rumpled and torn. Faint, ambiguous marks

had gone by, and Leonard had never come to save

bored with

disappear down the sidewalk, the

assistant glanced at him. "Mr. Richards,

removed his mask, his voice flat and unhurried. "The real purpose of bringing her here

As for

her."


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