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"Lock down the estate, highest security level. No one in or out, including Cassie."

"But, Boss, if Miss Monroe wants to leave—"

"No exceptions," Gennady snapped, his tone final. "Last night, Marco teamed up with the Petrov Family and hit three of our port operations. They're out of control. Until we neutralize this threat, the estate's her safest place."

"Understood, Boss."

My hand hovered over the doorknob, frozen. Petrov Family. Attacks. Threats. My excitement crashed, replaced by a sinking dread.

Things were worse than I thought. If I told Gennady about the competition now, would he let me go?

The answer was obvious: no.

I backed away quietly, my heart heavy, and returned to the greenhouse. Staring at Jennifer's text with the competition details, I wrestled with myself.

This was my dream. The Vienna International Music Competition, only held every five years. If I missed it, I'd be thirty by the next one—a dinosaur in the classical music world.

But outside was dangerous. Really dangerous.

I paced, my thoughts a tangled mess.

What if I didn't tell him?

Just this once. Just for the competition. It was a few hours at a packed concert hall downtown—safe, public. I could slip out, compete, and be back before he noticed. Gennady was always busy; he might not even realize I was gone.

If I pulled it off, if I won, I'd prove my worth in music. Gennady would be proud, right? He'd see the risk was worth it.

I grabbed my phone and texted Jennifer: I'm in.

The second I sent it, I knew I'd made my choice.

Maybe it was a mistake. Maybe it'd blow up in my face.

But some chances don't come twice. I couldn't let fear stop me from chasing my dream, not this time.

Chapter 18

Cassie

Two o'clock sharp, the catering van rolled out of the estate's gates.

I was curled up in the back, hidden among crates of dishes and produce, my heart pounding so hard I thought it'd burst. Every bump in the road made me hold my breath, terrified I'd be caught. It was a crazy risk, but it was my only shot to get out.

So far, so good.

Ten minutes out, I finally let myself relax a little. Through the van's tiny window, I caught glimpses of the outside world—sunlight, busy streets, people going about their lives. It was so real, so alive, and I hadn't seen it in forever. The estate, beautiful as it was, had started to feel like a gilded cage.

But my mind wasn't fully here. Guilt and nerves kept tugging at me.

"Cassie," Old Henry's voice came from the driver's seat, tight with worry. "You sure about this? If Mr. Sokolov finds out… there's still time to turn back."

His fear hit me hard, and guilt twisted in my gut. Henry had worked at the estate for over twenty years. He had a wife, grandkids—he shouldn't be risking anything for my reckless plan.

"Henry," I said softly, trying to sound steady, "I know this puts you in a tough spot, and I'm so sorry. If Gennady finds out, I'll make it clear this was all my idea, that I forced you."

"No, no, Cassie," Henry said quickly, shaking his head. "I'm not worried about me. Mr. Sokolov's tough, but he doesn't hurt us for no reason. I'm worried about you."

He glanced at me through the rearview mirror, his eyes kind, almost fatherly. "Miss, I've watched you settle into the estate. You're a good girl. But it's dangerous out there, especially now."