The private plane's engines roared to life, carrying Grant, Emily, and Williams across the Atlantic.
The cramped cabin was eerily quiet as the weight of their mission pressed down on them.
Emily stared out the window, watching the endless ocean below.
"Do you think he'll help us?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Grant leaned back in his seat, his arms crossed. "He doesn't have a choice. Isabelle's already dragged him into this, whether he wants it or not."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Williams frowned. "That's assuming he's still in Paris and not under Isabelle's thumb.
People like Damien are survivors—they'll do whatever it takes to stay out of the crossfire."
Grant didn't respond immediately. He understood Williams's doubt but had no room for it now. "If Damien wants to survive, he'll side with us.
Isabelle's desperate, and desperate people make mistakes. We just need to stay one step ahead."