Sebastian did not wait for the call to end properly. The moment the words on the other end became clear, something inside him snapped into motion. His expression changed completely, the calm control he had been holding collapsing into something sharper, something urgent. Without another word to Aria, without even a proper dismissal, he grabbed his keys and moved out of the office with speed that drew attention without needing to announce itself. Staff barely had time to react before he was gone, his steps fast, deliberate, carrying only one thought.
Vivian.
The drive back felt longer than it was. The city blurred past him, lights stretching into lines as he pushed the car harder than he normally would. His hands tightened around the wheel, his jaw set, every second stretching into something heavier. The words from the call replayed again and again in his head, refusing to settle, refusing to soften.
Gunshots.
Attack.
Target—Vivian.
