Chapter Five: The Empty Vow

She saw mud-stained wedding shoes kick through a ventilation fan in the cold room’s west wall. Stella crawled into a narrow passage. “West wall!” Mira screamed. “The vent leads to an old service tunnel!” Jo rammed the barrier with a forklift. All five reached the tunnel before fire sealed the warehouse. Adrian jumped last, his jacket scorched, still protecting the roses and phone in his arms. Mira beat out the sparks on him, her hands shaking. “Who told you to go back?” “You did. Clause three: your team takes no direct orders from the Gu or Lu families. Your lawyer is part of your team.” Even now, he remembered her terms. Outside, sea wind struck them. Adrian offered the bouquet without allowing her to touch it. “You used your gift once.