Chapter Five: The Empty Vow

“The order came from Victor Gu’s office,” Julian said. “I kept the email.” “Why didn’t you report it?” Adrian asked. “Bright Vow employs me. You don’t.” Julian met his eyes pleasantly. “Until I knew it was dangerous, I wasn’t giving everything Mira found to a Gu heir.” Invisible blades filled the room. Mira took the email without defending either man. “Every future revision copies Jo and me.” They found Cole hiding in a closed photography shop. Twelve years ago, his father had left him a boathouse key and an instruction: if anyone came seeking the White Tern master recording in the name of a wedding, give the key to Lena Shen’s daughter. The key was hidden inside an old ring pillow.