A New Bullet

Darla's POV

Xavier’s phone buzzed on the table, its screen flashing once before he picked it up. He spoke a few words into it, his voice low and clipped, then looked at me.

“That was my lawyer,” he said, setting the phone down. “He’s here.”

For a moment, I felt my pulse quicken. I’d already spoken to my own lawyer earlier, and part of me wondered if bringing another into this mess was even necessary. But Xavier’s confidence carried a weight I couldn’t ignore.

“Let him in,” I said softly.

Minutes later, the sound of the door opening reached us. A man in his late forties stepped inside, sharp suit, sharper gaze.

He carried a leather briefcase, and the way he moved told me he was the kind of man who already knew the battlefield before stepping onto it.

“Ms. Darla,” he greeted me politely, giving a slight bow of his head before glancing toward Xavier. “I came as quickly as I could.”

Xavier gestured to the empty chair across from me. “Sit. She’ll explain.”

I cleared my throat and did jus