I noticed the movement and raised my hand, pointing the small gun Dante had given me straight at her.

“Don’t even think about it,” I said.

Vanessa froze, her fingers inches from the drawer handle.

She looked at the gun, then up at my face.

“You wouldn’t,” she whispered.

“Try me,” I said, my voice steady.

“You tried to ruin my life. You tried to make me take the fall for your crimes.”

“I have nothing left to lose.”

Dante watched me, a faint, approving smile touching his lips before his face hardened again.

“The clock is ticking, Vanessa,” Dante said.

Suddenly, a loud beep echoed through the office.

A computer monitor on Vanessa’s desk flashed, lighting up the dark room.

A notification appeared on the screen, a red warning sign blinking repeatedly.

Vanessa’s eyes darted to the screen, her face turning completely white.

“No,” she whispered.

“It’s already happening.”

“What is happening?” Dante demanded, taking another step forward.

Vanessa looked at us, her expression a mix of terror and grim satisfaction.

“The final transfer,” she said.

“It’s being locked down from the other side.”