Chapter 51

Elena’s POV Marcus sounded tense, nothing like his usual relaxed self. “You’re acting like this is no big deal,” he said sharply. “But it is.” Philip answered him calmly, almost bored. “You’re stressing yourself out for nothing.” “That’s easy for you to say,” Marcus shot back. “Her face is everywhere. Ports, docks, checkpoints. The news won’t shut up about her vanishing. Anyone with ties to Silver Crest is actively searching.” His voice lowered, tight with anger. “And you want to tell me I’m imagining the danger?” My stomach dropped. I pressed my hand to my mouth, barely breathing. Philip sighed. “Eric is blowing this up because that’s who he is. He likes control. Fear is his favorite tool.” Marcus laughed, but there was no humor in it. “That’s Eric Thompson you’re talking about. People disappear when he wants answers. And now you’ve brought his missing girl onto my ship.” I heard footsteps—he was pacing. “So tell me straight. Who is she to you?” There was a pause. Long enough to make