Days later, the danger became real.
Ava was leaving the bookstore when it happened.
A black car pulled up beside her.
Too fast.
Too deliberate.
Her instincts screamed.
Run.
But before she could—
The door opened.
A man stepped out.
"You shouldn't be involved with him," he said calmly.
Ava's chest tightened.
"Who are you?"
"Someone giving you a warning."
She took a step back.
"I'm not interested."
He smiled slightly.
"You should be."
And then—
He handed her a small envelope.
"Read it."
Before she could react—
They were gone.