Into the Real Den
Morning – The Meeting is Set
Evelyn sat on the edge of the couch, phone in hand. The screen glowed with a single message from Elias:
"No tricks, Evelyn. 3 PM. The Blackwood Hotel. Come alone."
She exhaled slowly. This was it.
Across from her, Theo was pacing. His jaw was tight, his hands curled into fists. He hated this. He hated that she was walking into Elias's web, hated that he couldn't stop it.
"You don't have to do this," Theo muttered.
Evelyn looked up at him, her lips curving slightly. "You know that's not true."
Theo stopped pacing, turning to face her fully. His dark eyes were unreadable, but there was something there. Something deeper.
"I just—" He exhaled sharply. "If he catches on—"
Evelyn stood, stepping closer. "He won't."
Theo clenched his jaw. "You don't know that."
Evelyn reached out, lightly touching his arm. "Theo."
His gaze snapped to hers.
"I need you to trust me," she said softly.
A muscle ticked in his jaw. Then, after a long moment, he exhaled. "I do."
The air between them was charged, heavy. For a moment, it felt like something might shift, might change—
Then Kade's voice cut through the tension.
"We should go over the setup one more time."
Evelyn stepped back, the moment lost. Theo's expression hardened again as he nodded.
"Right," he muttered. "Let's go."
---
The Final Walkthrough
They sat around the dining table, their makeshift war room. The plan was clear, the risks calculated.
Step One: Evelyn would meet Elias alone, acting desperate and willing to negotiate.
Step Two: She'd steer the conversation towards his crimes, playing to his arrogance, making him talk.
Step Three: The tiny camera hidden in her earrings would capture everything.
Step Four: Theo, stationed nearby, would be listening through the earpiece. If anything went wrong, he would get her out.
Step Five: Once they had the footage, they'd send it to the press and authorities, exposing Elias completely.
Simple.
But dangerous.
Theo ran a hand through his hair. "You don't break character. No matter what he says, no matter what he offers."
Evelyn smirked. "I know how to play my part, Theo."
His eyes darkened. "I mean it."
She held his gaze. "I know."
Kade cleared his throat. "If something goes wrong, we have backup plans."
Theo scoffed. "Backup plans? If something goes wrong, I'm getting her out of there. Period."
Evelyn rolled her eyes. "You're so dramatic."
Theo's gaze sharpened. "Evelyn, this isn't a joke."
She softened slightly. "I know."
He was silent for a moment. Then, finally, he sighed.
"Just… don't take unnecessary risks."
Evelyn smiled. "I never do."
Theo muttered something under his breath.
Kade smirked. "Alright, lovebirds, let's get moving."
Evelyn and Theo both shot him a glare.
Kade grinned. "Yeah, yeah, I'll shut up."
---
2:45 PM – Outside Blackwood Hotel
The car was parked a block away from the meeting spot.
Evelyn took a deep breath, adjusting her earrings. The tiny camera was in place, the signal clear.
Theo sat in the driver's seat, fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly.
"You're sure about this?" he asked, his voice low.
Evelyn turned to him, her expression unreadable. "You're not going to change my mind, Theo."
His jaw tensed. "Didn't think so."
A silence stretched between them.
Then, suddenly, Theo reached for something in his pocket. He pulled out a simple, silver bracelet and held it out to her.
Evelyn blinked. "What's this?"
His voice was quiet. "For luck."
Her chest tightened.
Slowly, she took it, sliding it onto her wrist.
"I'll be listening," Theo murmured.
Evelyn smiled softly. "I know."
For a moment, it felt like something unspoken passed between them.
Then—
Theo exhaled. "Go."
Evelyn nodded, her heart pounding as she stepped out of the car.
Time to end this.
---
3:00 PM – The Meeting Begins
Evelyn walked into the luxurious hotel lobby, scanning the room.
And there he was.
Elias.
Sitting in the far corner, dressed in an expensive suit, a smirk on his face.
Evelyn's stomach twisted, but she forced herself to stay calm. Showtime.
She walked over, letting herself appear hesitant, uncertain.
Elias smirked. "Evelyn."
She gave a small nod. "Elias."
He gestured to the seat across from him. "Sit."
She did.
Elias studied her, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "So. You've finally come to your senses."
Evelyn forced out a sigh. "I just… I don't want to fight anymore."
Elias chuckled. "Smart girl."
Evelyn clenched her fists beneath the table.
Just keep him talking.
---
Meanwhile – Theo's Position
From the car, Theo listened through the earpiece, heart hammering.
Hearing Elias's voice made his blood boil.
He clenched his jaw. If he so much as touches her—
Kade's voice crackled through the comms. "Relax, man. She's handling it."
Theo exhaled sharply. "I don't like this."
"You weren't supposed to."
Theo narrowed his eyes.
Then—
Evelyn's voice. "I just want to know… how you did it."
Theo tensed.
Elias chuckled. "Which part?"
Evelyn's voice was careful, hesitant. "All of it."
Elias leaned back. "Oh, Evelyn. You really think I'd tell you?"
Evelyn smiled slightly. "I think you like hearing yourself talk."
Theo's grip on the wheel tightened. Come on, Evelyn. Get him to talk.
Then—
Elias laughed. "You're smarter than I gave you credit for."
Theo froze.
Elias's voice dropped, amusement laced with something darker.
"But not smart enough."
Theo's breath caught.
Something wasn't right.
Then—
The line cut off..
Theo's heart stopped.
"Evelyn?"
Silence.
Then Kade's voice—urgent. "Shit. Something's wrong."
Theo didn't hesitate.
He threw the car into gear.
He was getting her out. Now.
---
End of Chapter 46