There was a silence on the other end of the line.

I could hear the faint sound of the wind outside her window.

“Are you?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said. “You won.”

“I don’t believe you, Rowan,” she said. “You always have another plan.”

“Look at me,” I said, staring directly into the camera lens.

“I have no allies left,” I said. “Maren is gone. My company is in your hands.”

“You still have your pride,” she said.

“My pride didn’t save my marriage,” I said. “And it won’t save my daughter.”

I leaned my head against the cold steel wall of the elevator.

“I will sign the papers,” I said.

“The full transfer of the intelligence assets?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said. “Everything.”

“And the custody waiver for the boys?” she asked.

“If that’s what it takes to stop this,” I said.

I closed my eyes, making my breathing sound heavy and shallow.

“Just let me see Clara,” I said. “Let me know she is safe.”

“She is safe,” Tessa said. “She is receiving the best care.”

“I need to see her,” I said. “Then I will sign.”