My hands shook as I stared at the phone screen.

Suddenly, the phone buzzed, vibrating against the wooden table.

An unknown number flashed on the screen.

I swiped to answer, my voice barely a whisper.

“Hello?”

“Sophia,” Dante’s voice came through the speaker, calm and steady.

“I have a car waiting outside your building.”

I pulled the thin curtain back and looked down at the street.

A sleek black sedan sat idling by the curb, its exhaust venting white steam into the freezing morning air.

I called Mrs. Patel, who agreed to come up and watch Lily immediately.

I kissed Lily’s warm forehead as she slept, her soft breath even and peaceful.

“I will be back soon, my sweet girl,” I whispered against her skin.

I grabbed my worn winter coat, checked my purse for my phone, and headed downstairs.

The driver was a tall man in a dark, tailored suit who stood perfectly still by the rear door.

He opened the door for me without saying a single word.

I slid into the leather seat, which smelled of expensive wood polish and clean upholstery.