Ethan stood before Chris in the Oval Office, his posture rigid, eyes unreadable. The silence between them was thick, heavy with unspoken words.
Chris leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled together. "Where is she?"
Ethan exhaled slowly. "Gone."
Chris's expression remained neutral, but the sharp flicker in his eyes was unmistakable. "Gone?"
"She escaped."
Chris studied him carefully. "You let her go."
Ethan didn't deny it.
Chris's jaw tightened. "Did I tell you to kill her?"
Ethan hesitated. "You gave an order."
"An order to bring her back." Chris's voice dropped, dangerously calm. "Not to execute her."
For the first time, Ethan faltered. He had misunderstood.
And now, Skylar was out there, running.
Chris exhaled sharply, his fingers pressing against his temples. "Find her. Before someone else does."
Ethan gave a short nod and turned to leave. But just as he reached the door, Chris's voice stopped him cold.
"And Ethan—"
Ethan turned back.
Chris's gaze was ice. "Don't fail me again."
---