The St. Regis rose over Chicago like something untouchable—glass, steel, and money.

The valet already knew my name.

“Mr. Thorne is expecting you.”

Thorne.

Julian Thorne.

Tyler’s boss. Billionaire CEO. The man Tyler complained about constantly.

The elevator ride felt like judgment.

When the doors opened, I stepped into silence and skyline.

Julian stood by the window, hands in his pockets, calm in a way that made everything feel more serious.

“Elena,” he said. “I know you’re scared.”

“How do you know about my baby?” I demanded.

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he turned on a screen.

“Sit,” he said.

“I’m not sitting.”

“Then watch.”

The screen lit up.

A bank.

A private counter.

And there was Tyler.

Standing beside Jessica—his assistant. Laughing. Touching her like she belonged to him.

“They’re emptying his safety deposit box,” Julian said. “Cash. Passports. Diamonds. And…”

He paused.

“He’s forging your signature.”

My stomach dropped.

“He’s set everything up in your maiden name,” Julian continued. “When the FBI raids your house tomorrow—and they will—you’ll be the one they arrest.”

I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

“He’s not just leaving you,” Julian said quietly. “He’s sacrificing you.”

I sank onto the couch.

“Why are you telling me this?” I whispered.

“Because he stole something from me,” Julian said. “Something I need back before he disappears.”

He pulled out a small recorder and placed it in front of me.

“And you’re the only one who can get it.”