Chapter 117. Between Guilt and Hope

Collins’ POV

I think it’s high time.

My fingers curl tightly around my phone as I pick it up, my jaw tightening with resolve. There’s no more waiting, no more hoping things will fix themselves. It’s time to take control.

The line rings once before a voice answers, low and firm. “Hello, boss.”

“I’ve got a task for you,” I say, my voice sharp. “Make sure to get this done right.”

A brief pause, then a simple, “Understood.”

The call ends, and I exhale slowly, my grip tightening on the device until my knuckles turn white. My mind churns over everything that has happened—the video, the damage done, and Aria… my thoughts trail. I think it’s high time I stop playing by the rules and get things done my own way.

I won’t let anyone