Chapter 11

Lily's breath caught in her throat. He was expecting me? The words sent a chill down her spine, but she forced herself to keep her composure. She couldn't afford to let James Monroe see her hesitation.

Monroe leaned back in his leather chair, his piercing blue eyes studying her with amusement. He looked exactly how she had imagined—polished, controlled, exuding power with the ease of a man who had never known fear.

"I have to say," he continued, his voice smooth, "I thought you'd come knocking sooner."

Lily exchanged a quick glance with Noah, whose jaw was clenched. He was tense, ready to react if anything went wrong.

Lily stepped forward, meeting Monroe's gaze. "I figured it was time we finally spoke."

Monroe chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got your father's fire, I'll give you that." His expression darkened slightly. "But that fire got him killed."

Lily swallowed hard, refusing to let his words shake her. "Then maybe you can help me understand why."

Monroe raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is that why you're here? Looking for answers?"

Lily nodded. "You knew my father. You worked with him. But something changed, and I need to know what."

Monroe leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "What makes you think I'd tell you?"

Lily took a slow breath. This was the moment Elias had warned her about—Monroe needed a reason to see her as valuable. She couldn't afford to act desperate or weak.

"Because," she said carefully, "I'm not my father. I'm not here to expose you. I want to understand the bigger picture. And if my father trusted you once, maybe you and I can come to an understanding, too."

Monroe studied her for a long moment, then let out a low chuckle. "You're bold. I like that."

He stood, walking around his desk until he was just a few feet away from her. Up close, Lily could feel the weight of his presence—commanding, dangerous.

"I'll tell you what, Miss Everett," he said. "I'll give you the chance your father never had. A way into the world he was trying to expose."

Lily tensed. "What do you mean?"

Monroe's smirk deepened. "I have an opening in my organization. A position that requires intelligence, discretion… and a willingness to get your hands dirty."

Noah stiffened beside her. "You can't be serious."

Monroe ignored him, keeping his gaze locked on Lily. "It's your choice. You can walk out of here with nothing, or you can step into a world your father never truly understood."

Lily's heartbeat thundered in her ears. She had expected Monroe to play games, to lie, to manipulate—but this was something else entirely.

He wasn't just offering her answers. He was offering her a seat at the table.

And she had no idea if it was a trap.

But she couldn't hesitate. Not now.

Lily met Monroe's gaze, her voice steady. "I'm in."