She paused, the light in her eyes dimming.


    “Mr.


    Lyons, I’m rifying this because we’re allies in business.


    ”


    Her gaze hardened.


    “But let’s get one thing straight-we are strictly business partners.


    I value my privacy and don’t appreciate other meddling in my personal life.


    ”


    Hannah’s gaze on Remington grew colder.


    “Or perhaps, Mr.


    Lyons, you perceive me as someone you can easily intimidate? Do you always have to have the upper hand?”


    Remington faced her icy look.


    “Ms.


    Moore, I meant no offense.


    ”


    “It’s good that you didn’t.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    We can’t afford to let personal misunderstandings jeopardize our work together.


    ”


    Remington conceded, a rare urrence.


    “You’re right.


    I crossed a line.


    ”


    Hannah’s response was dismissive.


    “Let’s leave it at that.


    You’ve got enough on your te with the Rhett situation.


    I won’t add to your problems.


    ”


    She nced away, her parting words a deliberate jab, then offered a superficial smile and a wave.


    “I should be going.


    Enjoy sorting out your dilemma.


    ”


    As she turned to leave, Remington gestured to someone in the shadows.


    “Check on the station and ensure they’re on top of things.


    ”


    “Understood, Master Remington.


    ”


    Vehicles slowly vacated the premises.


    As she approached her car, Keith called out from the passenger seat, “Hannah, over here!”


    “Hmm.


    ” Acknowledging him with a nod, she felt her phone buzz.


    It was a message from Bryson:


    “Heading back to the Imperial Pce Hotel to deal with a situation—it involves the woman we picked up from the psychiatric facility.


    ”


    Hannah had just finished reading the message and was about to respond when a voice from behind interrupted her train of thought.


    “Miss Moore! Hold on a second!”


    Hannah turned her head, taken aback to find Peterson struggling for breath as he caught up.


    “Why are you here? Is everything all right?”


    “Um…” Peterson paused to catch his breath, clutching something in his hand, and slowly advanced.


    “This is for you.


    ”


    Approaching closer, Hannah discerned a peculiarly shaped key in his hand.


    The key featured a pyramid-like apex, etched with an eye, and had a triangr, weathered appearance, cast in bronze with a dusty finish.


    It dangled from a delicately wrought, slim gold chain that appeared mismatched.


    “This is…” Hannah observed the key in his hand but refrained from reaching out to ept it.