Chapter 137. The Line You Crossed

2024

Adrian’s POV

As I stepped down from the podium,the pain hit me like a second wave.The adrenaline that had carried me through the press conference was wearing off fast,and every step sent a dull,grinding ache through my ribs.My head throbbed,a sharp reminder that I’d left the hospital too early.Ari gave me a quick thumbs-up,a small but appreciative gesture.

“Well handled,sir,”she said,but I could barely nod,too focused on not wincing in front of the cameras still flashing nearby.

“Let’s just get through the rest of this.”

As we walked out of the building,she updated me on the next steps.”We’ve tracked Phoebe’s location,”she said,her voice lowering slightly as we stepped outside into the cool air.”She’s holed up at her parents’estate.”

Of course.She was smart enough not to try to leave the state,or the country,knowing the moment she made a move,I’d find out.

I felt a surge of urgency flood through me,my thoughts locking into