Semua Bab Hidden Hearts: Bab 1 - Bab 5

The ballroom glittered with a thousand golden lights, each crystal chandelier reflecting the wealth and power of the people beneath them. Cassandra Blake smoothed the silver satin of her gown, the fabric soft against her palm, a reminder to keep her mask in place. In this room, a smile was currency, and hers had been perfected through years of necessity.She drifted between clusters of tuxedos and evening gowns, the low hum of conversation weaving through the faint strains of a live string quartet. No one here knew she was the woman behind Phoenix Analytics, the discreet intelligence network whispered about in boardrooms and back alleys alike. They saw only the poised, mysterious socialite with eyes that revealed nothing. And that was exactly how she wanted it.A waiter passed with champagne, and she accepted a flute, using the motion as cover to scan the room. Investors, diplomats, and CEOs mingled beneath towering floral arrangements. Everyone here wore a mask, but hers was the most

Cass strolled into Vance Street Roasters with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what she wanted—and exactly how to get it. The bell above the door chimed, letting in the scent of freshly ground coffee, dark chocolate, and ambition. She scanned the room once, her gaze snagging on a tall man in a tailored charcoal suit, seated by the window. He was reading something on his phone, his other hand curled around a coffee mug like it was an old friend.Leo Knight didn’t notice her at first—at least, he pretended not to. His focus was razor-sharp, but his awareness was sharper. He’d clocked her the moment she walked in. That dress, the subtle gold chain at her neck, the purposeful walk—everything about her screamed she’s not here for just coffee.Cass ordered a cappuccino, leaning against the counter like she had all the time in the world. In truth, her pulse was annoyingly quick. She had no intention of speaking to him today—not directly. This was reconnaissance. The man had appeare

The rain hit the pavement in quick, sharp bursts as Cassandra hurried down the slick streets of Phoenix. Her heels clicked against the wet concrete, echoing in the near-empty alleyways. The night had shifted since dinner, colder now, more unpredictable—like the city itself. She pulled her coat tighter around her, the collar brushing against her cheek, but it did little to fend off the chill that wasn’t just from the weather.Her phone buzzed again. Another alert from Phoenix Analytics: Unusual activity detected near downtown warehouse. The message was brief, but the implications weren’t. Someone was watching, or worse, moving. Cass’s mind raced. Could Leo’s warnings be more urgent than she’d dared believe?Turning a corner too quickly, she nearly collided with a man stepping out of the shadows. His face was obscured by a hood, but his stance was calm, purposeful.“Careful,” he said, voice low but steady. “This part of town isn’t safe after dark.”Cass hesitated, sizing him up. Strange