The air outside was thick with humidity.
Moisture clung to every surface.
Ethan Sullivan rubbed his temples as a dull ache pulsed through his skull.
Julian Roscente pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"You look terrible."
Ethan pressed his fingers against his forehead.
"The weather's too damp."
Julian arched an eyebrow.
"Finally admitting you're high-maintenance?"
He rummaged through a drawer and pulled out painkillers.
Ethan took the pills without a word.
Julian suddenly paused.
"Wait—did you go talk to Sophia Sullivan?"
He leaned closer, studying Ethan's expression.
"She rejected you?"
Shadows and light flickered across the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Ethan sat motionless in the dimness of the sofa.
"...Shut up."
His voice was ice-cold.
Julian only grinned wider.
"So I was right."
He crossed one leg over the other.
"Played hard to get for too long, didn't you?"
Ethan closed his eyes.
"She didn't react at all."
Julian shrugged.
"Not aggressive enough?"
He yawned.
"Try the final move."
"If that doesn't work..."
"Just give up."
The air turned frigid.
Ethan lifted his gaze.
His eyes were sharp as blades.
Julian immediately stood.
"I have things to do."
He left in a hurry.
The door clicked shut behind him.
Ethan looked down.
His knuckles whitened.
Sophia Sullivan entered the break room.
The coffee machine hummed softly.
Her phone buzzed.
Ryan Lawrence's voice came through.
"Couldn't find her, sis."
Frustration tinged his tone.
"The trail's been wiped clean."
Sophia poured herself coffee.
"Expected."
Ryan continued.
"But there's something new."
He perched on the edge of a high platform.
"Your aunt's alive."
"The earrings came from her."
Sophia tightened her grip on the cup.
"Are you sure?"
Ryan chuckled.
"Since when have I lied to you?"
Behind him, several figures in black lay motionless.
Blood stained the ground.
"How'd I do, sis?"
Sophia took a sip of coffee.
"Good."
Ryan smirked.
His polished shoe crushed a limp hand beneath it.
Bones cracked.
"Can I come see you now?"
He asked softly.
The man at his feet had already lost consciousness.