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And she's right.

I frown at her. "I don't like it."

Ava plants her hands on her hips. "Noted."

I level her with a look. "But you're in."

She tries to hide her grin, but she's shit at it. "Also noted."

For the next few hours, we work.

The coffee pot is refilled three times. Tyler sends over more encrypted files, most of which I already recognize, but a few contain newer details—security footage from Vanessa's usual haunts, transaction logs that paint a clearer picture of just how many people she's been paying off.

Ava and I sit side by side, piecing together patterns, mapping out every move she's made.

The plan becomes clear.

We'll make Vanessa think I'm coming alone. She needs to believe she has the upper hand, that she's in control. Meanwhile, Ava, Tyler, and the Bennetts will be in position, ready to take her down the second she reveals her hand.

Simple.

But nothing about Vanessa Chase is ever simple.

By early afternoon, the loft is silent, and my whole focus is on Ava, just existing in my space. It's actually lovely.

My attention is pulled away by Tyler's call.

"Shoot." I exhale lightly, certain that this won't be good news.

"Cliff Reyes is also snooping around the warehouse." Tyler sounds exhausted. "Liam, whatever you do, do it carefully."

He doesn't see me nod, but once he hangs up, my mind shifts into a familiar mode—strategy, control, anticipation. Cliff Reyes isn't just some errand boy. He's Vanessa's insurance policy, the guy she brings in when she wants to send a message, loud and clear.

Which means tomorrow night isn't going to be a polite conversation.

I set my phone down, exhaling slowly. Across the loft, Ava stands at the counter, absentmindedly tapping her fingers against her coffee mug. She's still wrapped in my shirt, her hair a wild mess from sleep, her brows drawn together in thought.

She looks up, catching my gaze. "Bad news?"

I hesitate. "Not unexpected news."

Ava straightens, eyes narrowing. "What?"

I push off the couch, crossing the room. "Vanessa's bringing backup."

She frowns immediately. "Let me guess. Cliff?"

I nod.

She swears under her breath, arms crossing over her chest. "Great. That's just what we needed."

I don't disagree. Cliff isn't the kind of guy who bluffs. If he's there, it means Vanessa isn't just planning to gloat. She's prepared for things to get messy.

Which means we need backup, too.

I reach for my phone again, scrolling through my contacts. Ava's eyes flick to the screen, and she frowns. "Who are you calling?"

I hesitate, then hitDial.