"Plus," Liam added, pacing next to Zayden, "if she’s really starting a master’s program, there’ll be university records. She could have financial aid applications if he’s keeping a low profile, rental history for where they live, and bank accounts."

"On it," Aylin said, loading up encrypted search portals.

Zayden watched them work, looking troubled. "And what if Emma Kane is just who she seems, a regular student whose dad happens to be a murderer?"

"Then we need to figure out how to handle this without breaking your brother’s heart," Aylin said softly, not looking away from her screen.

"Yeah." Zayden’s voice was tense. "Because if Zayn likes her, and she turns out to be like her dad, manipulative, dangerous—"

"We don’t know that for sure yet," Liam interrupted. "She could be totally innocent. She might not even realize what her father really is."

"Or," Aylin said, her tone turning darker, "she could be part of his cover, the perfect daughter, the sweet grad student, all set up to make Alexander Kane seem like a normal, harmless single dad."

The weight of that thought pressed down on the small waiting room.

Zayden took out his phone again. "I’m texting Zayn to tell him to be cautious and not to get too involved until we find out more."

"Will he actually listen?" Aylin asked, finally glancing up.

Zayden let out a short laugh that had no humor in it. "My brother? When it comes to women he’s into? Probably not. But I have to give it a shot."

He quickly typed a message, ’Watch out for the Kanes. Something feels off. I’m looking into it now. Don’t do anything dumb.’

The reply came almost right away, ’Too late. Already invited them over for dinner. She’s interesting, Z. First girl in years who’s treated me like a normal man instead of a CEO.’

Zayden showed the message to Aylin, who groaned and buried her head in her hands.

"We need to move fast," she mumbled. "Really fast. Before this gets any messier than it already is."

"Totally agree." Zayden turned to Liam.

"You and Emilia need to stick around here at the hospital with Ayla. Keep security tight. If Alexander Kane figures out his daughter is hanging out with Ayla, the only witness who can pin him as a murderer, he might make a move."

"Do you think he’d actually hurt his own daughter?" Liam asked quietly.

"I think we have no idea what he’s capable of," Zayden replied bluntly. "And I’m not taking any chances. Not with Ayla. Not with Emma. And definitely not with my brother."

Liam nodded firmly. "Got it. I’ll keep Ayla safe."

"Good." Zayden looked at Aylin. "You and I are heading back to the tower. We need all your tech, every database, every backdoor, everything."

Aylin was already shutting down her laptop and grabbing her things. "Let’s go."

Aylin went to Ayla’s room first, with Zayden quietly following her.

The hospital room was calm, with soft evening light streaming through the curtains. Ayla was still asleep, breathing steadily, one hand tucked under her pillow.

Emilia sat in the corner, alert despite the quiet, and gave Aylin a small nod of recognition.

Aylin moved closer to the bed, trying not to wake her sister. She gently brushed a lock of hair off Ayla’s forehead and leaned down to give her a soft kiss there.

"I’m going to make this right," Aylin whispered quietly, just in case Ayla could hear her if she was awake. "I promise. Alexander Kane won’t hurt anyone again."

She stood up, blinking back tears, and turned to see Zayden watching her with a fierce protectiveness that took her by surprise.

He didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to.

Aylin walked over to him, and he immediately pulled her close, kissing the top of her head.

"Let’s wrap this up," he said softly against her hair.

"Totally," Aylin said, her voice thick with emotion. "Let’s do it."

They headed out together, with Aylin giving Liam some last-minute tips about security and emergency contacts.

"No one gets in or out without checking in," Zayden added, his tone sharp and bossy. "And if anyone shady shows up, you call me right away."

"I got it," Liam promised. "Go. Take care of what you need to."

As Zayden and Aylin walked down the hospital hall toward the elevators, neither of them had any idea about what was about to happen, or how one dinner reservation would kick everything off.

*****

Emma was practically bouncing in her seat as they pulled up to La Virelli.

The restaurant was gorgeous, a renovated historic building with fancy architecture and warm lighting spilling from tall windows. A discreet sign said "La Virelli" in stylish writing.

"Oh my God, Dad, this place is amazing!" Emma gushed, grabbing her purse and checking her reflection in the visor mirror one last time. "I can’t believe we’re actually eating here!"

Alexander smiled at her excitement. "Well, you did get your dress messed up for this."

"Totally worth it," Emma said, then stopped. "Wait. Oh no."

"What’s up?" Alexander asked.

"I forgot to text Zayn and say I’m sorry!" Emma pulled out her phone in a panic. "I was supposed to call him before dinner, and now we’re here, and—"

"Emma, just breathe," Alexander said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "It’s fine. You can apologize in person if we see him."

"If we see him? Dad, this is his restaurant! What if he’s here? What if I run into him and haven’t figured out what to say and end up just rambling?"

"Then just ramble," Alexander replied, amused. "Come on. Let’s go inside."

Emma took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and nodded. "Okay. I can do this. I’m a grown-up."

"That’s the way!"

They walked up to the entrance, with Emma’s excitement beating out her nerves about possibly running into Zayn Virelli again.

What she didn’t notice was the man lingering in the shadows by the valet station, watching her with an amused grin.