They didn’t use Luna as bait.

Instead, Niko changed the problem.

He let Evan believe they had found nothing.

For two days, life at the estate appeared normal.

On the third afternoon, Evan Cole arrived for routine security maintenance.

Maya was there for Luna’s follow-up.

She removed the pink bandage.

“The cut is healing perfectly.”

Niko stood beside the examination table in a small sitting room.

“Good.”

“You sound relieved.”

“I am.”

“You hide it well.”

“I practice.”

Luna climbed into Maya’s lap.

Niko sighed.

“You could at least pretend to like me.”

Maya looked at him.

“Are you talking to Luna or me?”

He paused.

“Luna.”

“Too slow.”

Niko almost smiled.

Then Marco entered.

“He’s here.”

Niko’s expression changed instantly.

Maya noticed the transformation.

Warmth gone.

Control replacing it.

“Stay here,” he said.

Maya frowned.

“I wasn't planning to join your business meeting.”

“I mean it.”

“So do I.”

He left.

Ten minutes later, raised voices came faintly through the corridor.

Not shouting.

Argument.

Maya tried to ignore it.

Luna didn’t.

Her ears turned toward the doorway.

Then she jumped down.

“Luna.”

The cat trotted into the hallway.

Maya followed.

“Luna.”

Around the corner, Evan stood facing Niko and Marco.

Victor was nearby.

Evan looked ordinary.

Mid-thirties. Gray sweater. Laptop bag.

Then Luna saw him.

She froze.

Maya stopped.

Luna didn’t hiss.

She crouched.

Her tail puffed.

Then she retreated behind Maya’s legs.

Niko saw everything.

“So,” he said quietly.

Evan looked down.

“What?”

“You know my cat.”

“Everyone knows Luna.”

Maya shook her head.

“That isn’t recognition.”

Evan looked at her.

“Excuse me?”

“She’s afraid of you.”

He laughed.

“It’s a cat.”

Maya’s expression cooled.

“Yes.”

Evan looked at Niko.

“This is ridiculous.”

Niko held out his hand.

“Your access card.”

“Why?”

“Give it to Marco.”

“I work for you.”

“Not anymore.”

Evan stared at him.

“You’re firing me because your veterinarian says your cat doesn’t like me?”

“No.”

Niko’s voice remained even.

“I’m firing you because Marco checked the archived server you forgot existed.”

Evan’s face changed.

Barely.

But enough.

Marco held up a tablet.

“Deleted gate records. Altered deliveries. Vendor payments.”

Victor added, “And my stolen credentials.”

Evan looked toward the exit.

Two Bellini security staff were already standing there.

No one touched him.

They didn’t need to.

Niko spoke calmly.

“You’ll leave the property. My attorneys will handle the financial evidence and the authorities will receive the records relevant to the fraud.”

Evan’s confidence cracked.

“You think this ends with me?”

Niko’s eyes narrowed.

“What does that mean?”

Evan said nothing.

Maya looked at Luna.

The cat’s attention had shifted.

Not toward Evan.

Toward his laptop bag.

“Wait.”

Everyone looked at Maya.

“What?” Niko asked.

Maya pointed.

“Luna smells something.”

Evan grabbed the strap.

Marco stepped between him and the door.

Niko held out his hand.

“Put the bag down.”

After a long moment, Evan did.

Marco opened it.

Laptop.

Cables.

Documents.

And a small bottle of blue-gray marking paint.

Maya recognized it instantly.

“The same residue.”

Marco examined the bottle.

Niko looked at Evan.

“You used the service building.”

Evan remained silent.

Maya crouched beside Luna.

Now everything made sense.

The paint.

The tracking collar.

The altered delivery records.

The hidden financial documents.

Luna hadn’t simply wandered into the mystery.

She had stumbled through it.

And then led them directly back.

Marco escorted Evan out with the other security staff.

Victor remained behind.

Niko looked at him.

“You should have told me.”

Victor nodded.

“I should have.”

“You scared my cat.”

“I know.”

“You’re apologizing to her.”

Victor blinked.

Maya laughed.

Niko didn’t.

“I’m serious.”

Victor looked at Luna.

“I’m sorry.”

Luna stared at him.

Victor sighed.

“I’ll bring salmon.”

Luna blinked slowly.

Maya smiled.

“That might work.”

Niko looked at her.

“Apparently bribery is acceptable when you do it.”

“With cats?”

“Yes.”

“Absolutely.”

His expression softened.

Then he said something Maya didn’t expect.

“Dinner.”

She blinked.

“What?”

“Have dinner with me.”

“Is this gratitude?”

“No.”

“Payment?”

“No.”

“Veterinary consultation?”

“No.”

Maya smiled slowly.

“Then what is it?”

For once, Niko Bellini looked almost uncomfortable.

“A date.”

Behind him, Marco suddenly became extremely interested in the ceiling.

Maya looked at Niko.

Then Luna.

The cat walked directly between them.

Maya scratched her chin.

“I’ll think about it.”

Niko frowned.

“You made me wait seven seconds in the clinic.”

“Yes.”

“How long will this take?”

Maya smiled.

“Longer.”

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