Choice.
Daniel took another step.
“End the call.”
Lena looked at him.
“No.”
The word was quiet.
But it changed the room.
Daniel stared at her.
“What did you say?”
“I said no.”
She swallowed.
“I’m done being afraid of you.”
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then Daniel looked away.
Not defeated.
Not transformed.
Just uncertain.
And that uncertainty gave Lena enough time.
She pushed herself up using the edge of the sink.
Pain rushed through her body, but she ignored it.
She moved toward the hallway.
Daniel stepped aside without realizing he was doing it.
The moment she reached the living room, she heard voices outside.
Multiple voices.
Footsteps.
The apartment door opened.
Two men entered first.
They weren’t dressed like movie versions of criminals. There were no dramatic gestures, no shouting, no chaos.
They looked like professionals.
Calm.
Focused.
Behind them walked Vincent Moretti.
