Morning came with silence.
Lena opened her eyes slowly.
Her instincts were sharp.
Too sharp for a normal woman.
She sat up, scanning the room.
No danger.
For now.
Downstairs—
Ethan was already sitting at the dining table, drinking coffee.
Perfect posture.
Cold expression.
Like nothing could touch him.
Lena walked in.
Their eyes met.
"Late," Ethan said.
Lena sat down calmly.
"I don't remember signing a contract to wake up early."
Ethan smirked.
"You signed a contract to obey."
Lena picked up a cup of coffee.
"I don't obey anyone."
Their gazes locked.
Tension filled the air.
Then—
Ethan's phone rang.
He answered it.
His expression changed instantly.
Serious.
Dangerous.
"…Handle it," he said coldly before hanging up.
Lena watched him carefully.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
"You're busy," she said casually.
Ethan stood up.
"Stay here."
Lena tilted her head.
"Or what?"
Ethan walked closer.
Very close.
His voice dropped.
"Or you'll regret it."
Lena smiled slowly.
"Threats again?"
Ethan stared at her for a few seconds.
Then—
He left.
The moment he was gone—
Lena's expression changed completely.
Cold.
Sharp.
She pulled out her phone.
A message appeared.
**Target confirmed.**
Her lips curved slightly.
"So…"
She whispered,
"the game begins."