Pablo Marquez took a deep breath, staring at the monitor screen with tension etched on his face. He spoke to one of his subordinates in the same room, "What were you doing last night? This is not the time to make mistakes!" His subordinate, Rafael, replied shakily, "I'm sorry, Mr. Marquez. We searched around, but there were no signs of anyone spying." Pablo Marquez tossed his cigarette stub into the ashtray, blowing smoke as he spoke firmly, "You must find that person! Our lives depend on this information. Someone might be trying to undermine us, and I won't let that happen. Utilize every resource we have, and make sure no one can leak this!" The tension in the house was palpable as Pablo gathered all his subordinates in a dimly lit room guarded by vigilant security.At Noah's residence, the two friends sat with Gerald, nodding resolutely. Their eyes gleamed with determination. "Noah, you're right. We can't just stand by while our village is threatened like this. I need to find ou

"Ah, why am I thinking about him!" Natasha shouted under the pillow that served as her face-covering, her cheeks flushed.Grace, on her way to the bathroom, halted upon hearing the muffled screams coming from her slightly open daughter's room. She quickly opened the door with panic and approached Natasha.Grace looked at Natasha with concern, her eyes searching for signs of worry or sadness on her daughter's face."Why were you screaming under the pillow, dear? Is there a problem?" she asked.Natasha bit her lip, trying to find the right words to explain her feelings. After a few seconds, she finally sighed."I just had a dream that a dog was chasing me, Ma," Natasha lied in the end.Hearing her daughter's confession, Grace furrowed her brow, sensing that Natasha was hiding something from her."Are you not hiding something from Mama?" Grace inquired with a serious look.Natasha shook her head slowly while tidying her messy hair.Grace eventually chose to sit beside her daughter's bed.

Olivia's body trembled intensely as she saw a multitude of large-bodied people standing in the middle of the road with hostile glares. It was the first time in her life witnessing a fight up close."Bell, I'm scared. Let's just go home," Olivia invited, her voice trembling."Come on, don't be such a wimp. Don't go home yet. What if we hide in a safe place to find out which side is the strongest," Bella said enthusiastically.Olivia found her friend's idea ridiculous."No! I'm going home. Are you staying or coming with me?" After saying this, Olivia walked away, leaving Bella still curious to watch the fight."Oliv, don't go yet. I still want to stay here!" Bella shouted, seeing Olivia already sitting on her motorcycle and starting the engine.Olivia didn't care. She just wanted to get away from that place and didn't want to witness the frightening scene."I don't care. I'm going home first." Olivia waved her hand, leaving the mini market's premises.Bella, who didn't want to walk home,

"Clearly, Dad. I really miss moments like this," Gerald said with a smile; these were the moments he always looked forward to.In the past, every time he received his report card and saw perfect grades, Albert and Elena would always give him warm hugs. They used to grant Gerald's wishes and fulfil every request he had. Despite that, Gerald always emphasized the importance of family togetherness and shared dinners, enjoying his favourite dish, medium-rare steak with black pepper sauce.Albert embraced his son and wife warmly, expressing his love and affection. He felt grateful for having a family that understood and forgave each other."Your mother and I have high hopes for you, son," Albert said softly, audible to both Gerald and Elena.Elena nodded with tears in her eyes, affirming what her husband said. She was thankful that her husband and son had now reconciled.With enthusiasm, Gerald cooked in the simple kitchen, ready to serve the favourited meals of his parents. He decided to

After a while, Gerald emerged from the kitchen carrying a special dish he had prepared. The delightful aroma instantly filled the room, making everyone eager to taste the cuisine."Thank you for your patience. Here it is, the special dish from Chef Gerald Lewis!" Gerald announced, placing the dish in the middle of the table.Cheers erupted, and all eyes were fixed on the tempting dish. Beautifully plated with artistic presentation, the table looked incredibly inviting."Wow, this is truly amazing, Gerald!" praised Albert, admiring the dish with awe."Seriously, just the aroma has made me hungry. Come on, let's eat!" urged Elena, followed promptly by Grace and the others.They all began relishing the dish with delight. The dining table became filled with low murmurs, occasionally interrupted by small sighs expressing the deliciousness of the meal."This is incredible, Gerald! You're truly talented!" praised Grace with a smile.Gerald humbly nodded. Joy and satisfaction radiated from hi