Leon’s eyes glimmered vividly with pure amusement, and he wore a wicked smirk on his lips after reading the final text message from Annika. Although their playful banter felt like an addict going through a relapse, he summoned every last ounce of his ironclad control and left the conversation where it was. There was work to be done, and he knew Annika would be busy from this point forward with her uncompromising resolve fully restored. Leon had no doubts that the main attraction would start soon, and there was no way he would miss it for the world.
After wrapping up her conversation with Leon, Annika briefly allowed herself to lower her guard. The smile that had so naturally formed was like sunlight illuminating the darkest corners of her room. Before she had even realized it, Annika foun
