"You've been waiting to meet me?" My voice stayed steady, but I could feel my pulse hammering in my ears.
The Broker's gaze held mine, calm and deliberate. He looked like someone used to control, his presence unnerving in its quiet authority.
Alexander shifted beside me. I could see his grip tighten on his gun, but he didn't move. Not yet.
Mira leaned against the wall, watching us like this was a game she'd already won. "Don't take it personally, Eleanor. He waits for everyone worth manipulating."
The Broker ignored her, his attention fixed on me. "You've become an unexpected variable in all this. That's intriguing."
"You're the one pulling the strings," Alexander said. His voice was low, cutting. "Why bring us here? Why show yourself now?"
The Broker tilted his head slightly, as if considering whether Alexander deserved an answer. "You're intelligent, Alexander. You already know why."
Alexander didn't blink. "Enlighten me."
