Chapter 126 - The Betrayer's Plea

# Noah Lancaster's POV#

The words hit me like a sledgehammer to the chest. Three million dollars. My fingers.

Marcus watches my face carefully, gauging my reaction. The morning fog swirls around us, but I feel like I'm drowning in ice water.

"Shane Huxley," I repeat slowly. "Here. For my fingers."

"The Donovans don't mess around," Marcus says. "Gabriel may be a spoiled rich boy, but his family has connections that go back three generations. Old money. Old grudges."

My phone buzzes. I glance at the screen and see Victoria's name.

"Answer it," Marcus advises. "You'll want to hear this."

I swipe to accept the call.

"Noah!" Victoria's voice is frantic, breathless. "Thank God you picked up. Are you somewhere safe?"

"I'm fine. What's wrong?"

"Everything's wrong! I just got off the phone with my contact at the FBI. There's a contract out on you. Professional grade. Six million dollars."

Six million. Marcus said three. The number keeps climbing.

"Victoria, slow down—"