The next day, I walked into Blume HQ with my head held high. I'd rehearsed the scene a dozen times in my head—striding in like I owned the place, shoulders squared, gaze steady. But as soon as I stepped through the front doors, anxiety coiled tight in my chest.

The receptionist barely glanced at me, offering a perfunctory greeting as I passed. Good. I wasn't in the mood for small talk. I made my way up to the top floor, bracing myself for whatever awaited me behind Dusan's door.

When I knocked, his secretary glanced up, surprise flickering across her face. "Miss Foster? I wasn't expecting you—"

"Dusan's expecting me," I interrupted. She frowned but nodded, pressing a button on her desk.

"Go on in."

I pushed the door open, forcing myself to meet his gaze head-on. Dusan sat behind his massive desk, fingers steepled as if he'd been waiting for me. His smile was all teeth, but his eyes were cold, calculating.

"Teagan," he purred. "Right on time."

I crossed my arms, keeping my expression neutral. "I'm here. What do you want?"

He leaned back in his chair, studying me with that infuriatingly smug look. "I want you to understand something very clearly: I'm not your enemy. I'm just a man protecting his assets."

I snorted. "Funny, most people don't protect their assets by threatening to ruin lives."

"Some lives are already in ruin," he replied smoothly. "Sometimes, I just... speed up the process."

I clenched my fists, fighting to keep my voice steady. "And what exactly do you gain from keeping me on a leash?"

"Why, Teagan," he murmured, tilting his head slightly. "You have so much potential. It'd be a shame to see it wasted."

"Cut the crap, Dusan. You're not keeping me around because you see potential. You're keeping me around because you're scared."

His eyes narrowed, but his smile stayed fixed. "Am I?"

"You know I'm not afraid to bite back. And if you try pushing me, I'll make sure to tear down everything you've built."

"Bold words," he mused. "But words are all they are."

"Try me," I shot back, leaning forward. "Go ahead. Push me."

For a second, something dark flickered in his eyes. But then his expression smoothed out, and he leaned back with a slow, measured smile.

"Don't tempt me, Teagan. I'd hate to have to make good on my promises."

I didn't let myself react. Instead, I forced a smile of my own. "And I'd hate to make you regret it."

We stared each other down for a long, tense moment. Then he waved a hand dismissively.

"Get out. I have real work to do."

I didn't need to be told twice. Turning sharply, I strode out of his office, feeling his gaze on my back the entire time. But as I rode the elevator down, I felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

Maybe I wasn't as powerless as he thought.

Later that evening, I found myself pacing my apartment, restless. My phone buzzed. Wrench again. For a moment, I considered ignoring it. But then I sighed and answered.

"Hey."

"Hey, uh—just checking in." His voice sounded almost... hesitant. "How'd it go?"

I let out a breath. "Better than expected. He tried playing the big, bad wolf, but I think I got under his skin."

"That's my girl." He sounded genuinely proud, and a strange warmth spread through my chest.

"Don't get used to it," I muttered, a small smile tugging at my lips.

"Wouldn't dream of it." His tone was lighter now, almost playful. "But hey, if you ever need backup, just say the word."

"Sure, because nothing says 'backup' like a masked weirdo and his toaster."

He barked out a laugh. "Okay, now you're just being mean. My toaster's a vital member of the team."

"Yeah, well, remind me to thank it next time it takes a bullet for me."

"I will." His voice softened. "Stay safe, okay?"

"I'll try." My voice was barely a whisper, but I knew he heard it. "Talk later, Wrench."

"Yeah. Later."

I hung up, staring at the screen for a long moment. Then I slipped the phone into my pocket and went to look out the window.

The weight of the day still hung heavy, but somehow, the tension in my shoulders eased—just a little. For the first time in a while, the chaos around me didn't feel quite so suffocating.