A Reward

After Athena dropped Gianna at her workplace, she headed straight home, her mind heavy with exhaustion.

Zane had granted her as much time off as she needed, and she was grateful—she needed it more than she cared to admit. Tomorrow's task of returning to work loomed ahead, but for the moment, she allowed herself to relish the idea of resting.

"So, do you feel better today?" Aiden asked as they drove through the city.

Athena nodded absently, her gaze drifting to the window. They were passing the spot where she had been kidnapped, a memory etched in her mind that she wished she could erase.

Her thoughts spiraled into the past: if the kidnappers had relied solely on Heronica, she believed she would have managed somehow to overthrow the young girl. But they hadn't. They had assistance, as always. Their teamwork was as infamous as their name.

Aiden broke into her thoughts. "That's great. What are you going to do about Alfonso's company?"