Chapter 4 — Crossroads

Alternating between Maya and Dominic

Amber liquid swirled in Maya's glass, catching the soft light of her apartment as she studied Dominic Westwood's business card on the coffee table. The embossed lettering seemed to shimmer with unspoken promises and unacknowledged threats.

"So he just offered you the theater. Full ownership. Before anything happens between you." Elena sat cross-legged on the couch, her own wine barely touched. "And all he wants is seven nights of your time."

"On his terms," Maya added, the words tasting bitter. "Whatever that means."

Elena leaned forward, legal mind already dissecting the proposition. "If the deed transfers first, with no conditions for reversal, it's actually cleaner than most arrangements I've seen." She caught Maya's sharp glance and shrugged. "I'm not saying it's right. I'm saying it might not be the trap it appears to be."