Elena's heart was still racing.
Noah's lips had left their imprint on her skin—his touch still ignited a fire in her veins.
But after he left, when she reached into the pocket of her dress, she realized…
The device was gone.
Her hands turned cold.
She frantically searched the entire room—under the bed, in the drawers, and even on the balcony.
Nothing.
Her breath quickened.
"Shit…" she whispered, trying to steady her trembling hands.
Noah had figured it out.
She could still feel the heat of his kiss on her lips, but now she saw the deception hidden within it.
"You caught me, Noah Kingston…" her voice shook slightly, but her eyes were filled with anger, not fear.
---
Meanwhile…
Noah sat in his car, his eyes fixed on the device he had smoothly slipped out of Elena's dress.
His fingers played with it lazily, as if it were a mere toy.
But his eyes—dark, cold, and ruthless—told a different story.
He pulled a small knife from his pocket and carefully dismantled the sensor on the device, making it untraceable.
Then he placed it in a metal case and locked it away.
Logan knocked on the door and entered.
"Boss, the confirmation has arrived," he said, handing a file to Noah.
Noah glanced at the file.
A sinister smirk tugged at his lips.
"Elena Carter…" he muttered her name with a venomous hiss, "…or whatever your real name is."
Logan eyed him cautiously, a hint of concern in his expression.
"Should I take her out?" he asked, his voice low.
Noah's gaze turned to him, his expression devoid of emotion.
"No…"
His voice was calm, almost too calm.
"She's going to be my pawn… and my queen."
Logan's brows furrowed slightly.
"You want to keep her alive?"
Noah let out a cold chuckle.
"Alive? Yes… but with shattered trust."
His voice was chillingly composed.
---
Next Morning – Elena's Hotel Suite
Elena stood on the balcony, her eyes red-rimmed.
She hadn't slept a wink all night.
Her phone was clutched tightly in her hand as she waited for Vincent Alvarez's call.
The phone rang.
"Hello?" she whispered hoarsely.
Vincent's voice was sharp and cold.
"Why did the device signal disappear?"
Elena's throat tightened.
She forced a calmness into her voice.
"I don't know… maybe Noah caught it."
There was a brief silence on the other end.
Then Vincent's voice turned colder.
"You're failing, Elena," he said with an icy finality.
"I didn't send you there to play games. I want him dead."
Elena's breath caught in her throat.
Her fingers clenched around the phone.
"I know… I just need more time," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vincent's tone grew sharper.
"Time is running out. If you don't know what to do, I do."
The call ended abruptly.
Elena stared at the phone, her fingers trembling slightly.
Her eyes burned with frustration and fury.
"Noah…" she gritted through her teeth.
---
Later That Evening – Noah's Private Villa
Noah's eyes were fixed on Elena, watching her every move, as if reading her like an open book.
He strolled toward her, his gaze filled with a deadly calmness and a dangerous allure.
Elena forced a smile and met his gaze.
"You startled me last night," she said with a playful laugh, feigning nonchalance.
Noah's eyes remained unreadable.
"Did I?" he asked, his voice low as he brushed his fingers over her waist.
"Should I come even closer tonight?"
Elena's throat went dry.
She shook her head slightly and teased, "Why do you always move so fast, Noah?"
A dark smirk played on Noah's lips.
He caressed her neck with his fingertips and murmured,
"Because when the game is about life and death, the slow ones always lose."
Elena's smile remained in place, but inside, her unease grew.
He was far too close—so close she could feel his breath against her skin.
There was a dangerous glint in his eyes—a silent challenge.
Noah leaned in, his breath hot against her ear,
"You're a brilliant actress, Elena…"
Then, lifting her chin with a cold, deliberate touch,
"But I always read the ending first."
Elena's eyes widened.
She instinctively tried to step back, but Noah's grip on her waist tightened.
His eyes were no longer playful—there was only lethal determination in them.
"You came to betray me, didn't you?" he asked softly, his voice cutting through her defenses.
Elena's heart pounded, but she didn't let the fear show.
"You're crazy…" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Noah's smile widened—a dark, menacing grin.
He slowly pulled the device from his pocket and held it before her eyes.
"Crazy?" he repeated softly, a mocking lilt in his tone.
"Or just pretending to fall into your trap?"
Elena's face drained of color.
Her eyes flickered with a momentary panic.
Noah ran his fingers lightly through her hair,
"What will you do now, Elena?"
His voice was a deadly whisper.
Elena's eyes burned with a mix of defiance and fear.
She tried to pull away, but Noah's grip on her wrist tightened like a vice.
His lips brushed her ear once more, his voice barely audible,
"From now on, you'll play by my rules…"
---
Elena's secret was out, but Noah wasn't letting her go.
Now the question was—Would Elena be able to save herself, or would Noah break both her heart and her spirit?
Noah has discovered Elena's betrayal, but instead of eliminating her, he decides to keep her close, turning the game even deadlier.
See you in next chapter...