“Enough. Thank you for the concern, brother, but I can take care of myself. The last thing I need is you standing in front of me, acting like you get to question my friends.”
So this was why they invited me to dinner. Not to celebrate Noah’s birthday. It was a warning. Stay in line, or else.
If only they knew. I was the one who was about to join the Orman Group.
The dinner unraveled fast after that. Jace threw a plate at the floor. Asher stared me down like I was a traitor. And Noah… Noah said nothing at all.
I left without another word.
…
Departure day came faster than I expected.
James arrived early, his knock light against the door.
“You ready?” he asked, voice low. He meant for everything that would come after.
I nodded.
…
My life with the Orman Group began the day I stepped off the ferry in Mexico. Their coordinator met me at the port and gave me a day to rest before taking me to the estate.
The compound looked more like a modern manor—white stone, lush gardens, and smaller mansions dotting the land like scattered pawns in a game I was just beginning to play.
Mr. Orman met me at the main hall.
Early thirties. Blonde hair, brown eyes. Polished. Charming. And not at all what I’d expected from a man rumored to order executions between wine tastings.
“I hear you come from a family like ours,” he said smoothly. “What made you leave?”
“My parents died,” I said. “Figured it was time for a change of scenery.”
He nodded, eyes studying me. “A shame. I imagine they’d be proud of a girl like you.”
Then he leaned closer, voice dropping. “If there’s anyone you want to reach out to… do it today. After tonight, you’ll be off the grid.”
He walked off, leaving me alone with that choice.
I pulled out my phone.
My thumb hovered over each name—Asher, Jace, Noah.
I chose Asher. The line rang once. Twice. Then— “Kaia?” It was Sylvie.
My stomach dropped. “Where’s Asher?” I asked.
“He’s with Jace. He told me to answer his calls. You can tell me whatever you need to tell him.”
In the background, I heard laughter. Asher. Jace. Even Noah. “Come on, Sylvie!” they called, carefree.
I swallowed the knot in my throat. “Nothing. Just checking in.”
I ended the call. Pulled out the SIM card. Dropped it to the ground and crushed it beneath my heel.
There wouldn’t be a Kaia Renner tomorrow. Just a girl with a new name. A new life.
