Andrew glanced up.

The night was so quiet, the kind of stillness that settles deep in your bones. The sky just before dawn was pitch black, only a handful of lonely stars peeking through. The moon was hiding behind thick clouds, its glow barely a whisper.

He remembered hearing on the weather report that it would snow tomorrow.

Emily had to make it back before the snow started or she'd end up soaked through. Andrew dropped his gaze, his hands curling into fists.

The man with the scar looked over at Andrew, studying him, trying to figure out what was going through his mind. He couldn't tell.

He almost looked away, but right then, Andrew lifted his eyes to the sky again. There was something deep and empty in his stare, like he was searching for answers up there.

The scarred man found himself following Andrew's gaze, but the sky was just the same as ever. Ten years, nothing had really changed.

He looked back, confused, and caught a glimpse of sadness lingering in Andrew's eyes.

He froze for a second, then quickly turned away and pretended he hadn't seen a thing.

***

Somewhere else, after reaching out to Andrew, Tristan sent a message to Benjamin Gomez.

Tristan: I'll do whatever you want. Just don't hurt her again.

Unknown Number: Honestly, seeing how desperate you all are right now makes me really happy. You know what I mean?

Tristan's jaw tightened. He didn't respond.

Unknown Number: Back then, when I begged you to let Isabella go, none of you listened. Now, I want you to feel just as helpless as I did. Let's take our time. I'm not in a hurry.

Tristan clenched his teeth, wishing he could somehow reach through the phone and grab Benjamin by the collar.

He took a slow breath, trying to keep his cool. You're committing a crime. If you go

to prison, who's going to help Isabella Austin? Don't do anything reckless. You still have a daughter. Don't forget that.

Unknown Number: Why are you

pretending? Your people have been

digging into my life. You already found things, didn't you? Even if hadn't done this, you'd catch eventually if it's all going to end the

me

it

same way, I might as well make it

count. Don't you think?

Tristan's face went cold.

Benjamin was talking about what happened at the engagement party. Tristan had always suspected someone was behind the men who hurt Emily, so he kept investigating. Recently, everything pointed straight to Benjamin, and now they had real evidence tying him to it.

If they kept going, they'd have enough to put him away for good.

For the first time, Tristan felt real regret, a chill running through him. If this is about that, I promise you, I'll stop digging. Just let Emily go. I'll send you everything I've found. I'll erase every backup. You have my word.

Unknown Number: Are you really

that naive? Or do you think I am? I've come too far to back out. No matter what you say, you're never letting me go now. I'll see this through to the end. My daughter's taken care of. She'll have a good life. She doesn't need me around

Unknown Number: And haven't I made myself clear? The one person you never should've messed with was Isabella. She's suffering in prison. Now it's your turn.

The person on the other end was clearly desperate. He'd already given up everything. There was no more convincing him.

Tristan: Just tell me what you want. We'll do whatever you say.

Unknown Number: Anything?