Alison and Paula looked back. They were still thinking about the dress that Carson had cut out earlier. Paula did say it wasn't a good outfit, but she liked the dress in her heart. It was a graceful and charismatic style, and the luxurious and classy impression was very prominent in the dress."Why did the dress have to be cut?" she said, frustrated.It was supposed to make her feel special, not ruined. Everything had happened, and there was no way to change it. Her regret became even more painful when she realized how expensive the dress was—tens of thousands of dollars, and now it was ruined. There was nothing that could be done."I think that dress suits us," Paula said in a tone that tried to be soothing.Alison nodded, feeling the same way. She envisioned themselves wearing the dress to a glamorous event, shining amongst the crowd. "Yes, it is. It's perfect for us," she replied, her voice a hint of disappointment.Beside them, Carson smiled a little as if not feeling the impact o
They went inside the house. Paula and Alison prepared everything they could. Anything to make Vani feel comfortable in their home. Of course, they would do their best because they didn't want to make a wrong impression on Vani.After everything was prepared, they sat on the sofa, and Vani took out her design papers and placed them on the table. "So, what do you guys want from the dress I want to make?" she asked in a friendly tone as if she had known them for years. I want to hear your ideas. I'll make it just the way you want it. Just take a look at my designs for reference."Paula and Alison looked at each other, confusion and excitement mingling. "I want something elegant but still modern," Paula said. "Something that makes me feel confident and special in front of people. Everyone will look at me with admiration."Alison adds, "And maybe a little touch of bold color. I want it to reflect a strong personality."Vani nodded, her smile growing wider. "Good. I love your passion and id
Alison was still silent, she was confused why her husband had such a wonderful friend. Whatever he did could be helped by this friend. She wondered who Carson's friend really was. It still made Alison wonder, but she had one guess, the general. The general had helped them before, maybe this time too."Are he and the general friends? Aren't their ages said to be much different?" Alison scratched her head. She was confused herself. Just as she was about to ask, Carson came forward. He would be measured, just like Alison and Paula, because his clothes would be made, too. Even Charlotte was being measured. She was pleased because she was going to get new clothes. She had been waiting for her turn."Are we having a party?" asked Charlotte.Carson smiled.Carson had prepared everything. The venue for the party had been booked and beautifully decorated, and the magnificent clothes were ready, just waiting for delivery to their house. This party would be a big event, with invitations sent t
Paula stood in front of the mirror in her room, watching her reflection with a cheerful smile. "I can't wait for this party," she said excitedly. She envisioned all the details that had been planned: music, the decorations, and, of course, the guests.Paula had no idea that she was going to have a party. Carson had just said that 10 minutes ago. When she heard that, Paula was immediately happy. She couldn't hide her happiness. Paula kept smiling because she was pleased.She rubbed her new dress, hanging in the closet and sparkling in the light. "It's going to be an amazing dress," she thought, though a little doubt crept into her mind. However, she tried to push the negative thoughts away. "People will see another side of me. This time, they won't be able to insult me anymore. I'm wearing a dress made by Vani, the number one designer in the world."Paula stares out the window, envisioning a warm, laughter-filled party atmosphere. "I hope everything goes well," she murmured, determined
Jane and the others were shocked to hear what Paula said. 100 million dollars worth of clothes? That's a lot of money. They looked at Paula more intently, and it wasn't long before they laughed.How could clothes be worth 100 million dollars? It was worth a house, not just a tiny house, but a villa that could be bought with just one dress. That was impossible. Their brains spontaneously rejected what Paula said, especially when they saw Paula's face.Jane and the others looked at each other, their eyes bulging as if in disbelief. "Seriously, Paula? A 100 million dollar dress?" asked Jane, her voice full of skepticism. "It's even more expensive than my house!" she laughed. Of course, no one would believe her."If you're going to lie, do better. Don't deceive us like this. It makes you sound like a moron," mocked one of Jane's friends.Another friend laughed. "She's just saying stupid nonsense. I'm sure that dress is just a cheap dress that can even be found in a trash can. Even giving
"Don't touch our dress with your filthy hands," Paula insisted, her voice shrill. "This dress is costly, made by the famous designer, Vani." She gave Jane a sharp look as if daring her to continue.Jane and her friends exchanged glances, their laughter filling the air. "Maybe they think it's a fancy dress, but it looks awful," sneered one of her friends. "They say it's Vani's? That's ridiculous. There's no way they could have done that. Vani must be busy; there's no way she would spend time on you, poor people."Alison felt a pain in her chest. Every word that came out seemed to stab her, shaking her confidence. She tried to smile, but the trembling in her hands couldn't stop."You're the stupid one. You know nothing," Paula shouted, looking at her with hatred. "We know the true quality. Meanwhile, you don't understand."Paula's glare made Alison feel slightly better, but Jane's cynical gaze still hung. The party atmosphere was suddenly tense, with sparks of hatred between them. Jane
"You have to pay for Paula's dress. It's costly," Carson said, looking sharply at Jane.His eyes glistened with dissatisfaction. He couldn't forgive Jane for soiling Paula's dress with a drink whose stains were difficult to wash off. To Carson, the dress wasn't just a dress but a point of pride for Paula. His mother-in-law loved the dress so much that he even slept while hugging the Vani-made dress. Jane soiled it so easily; Carson did not like this."But, is that really designer Vani's dress? I think that's too much, Carson. You can't possibly buy clothes from her," Jane replied, frowning. She shook her head, doubt evident on her face. Jane's friends exchanged glances, some looking worried while others started laughing, thinking Carson was just making it up."You think we're stupid? We're not that stupid for you to trick us," said one of Jane's friends, her voice full of mockery. She glanced at Carson sarcastically, not believing that her family could afford something that expensive.
The party was filled with alluring luxury. The ceiling was decorated with sparkling crystal chandeliers, reflecting a soft light that created a magical atmosphere. The chandeliers were beautifully lit. The tables were set neatly with gold silk cloths and a centerpiece of fresh red roses, surrounded by aromatherapy candles that gave off an elegant fragrance.A small stage with an orchestra playing soft melodies in the corner of the room adds to the glamorous atmosphere. Conversely, a bar stocked with various premium spirits, neatly arranged by skilled bartenders, is ready to serve exclusive cocktails.The food was gourmet, from appetizing canapés to main courses of wagyu steak and lobster. Guests, dressed in elegant evening gowns and tuxedos, chatted and enjoyed the ambiance.Additional decorations such as satin curtains, gold helium balloons, and modern paintings gave the party an artistic touch. All these elements combined to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who attend
Just as Carson was about to start gathering with his family, he received a call from Darwis. He walked out again. I also got the news that everything was fine. All locations had been checked once again and were completely safe. That made him relieved."Thank you. You'v worked very hard," Carson said to Darwis on his cell phone."You too. Without you, we wouldn't have been able to get all this done. As always, you're amazing, we really depend on you," Darwis said. Carson nodded. "That's how teamwork works. We have to complement each other," he said."Right." A few seconds of silence. Darwis took a breath and exhaled. "Happy New Year, General," he said. Carson smiled. "Happy new year."Carson spent New Year's Eve at home with his little family. He felt warm because it was full of joy. In the living room, twinkling lights adorned the Christmas tree that still stood majestically in the corner, even though the new year was almost here. By the way, now, the curtains were open, reveal
Carson was silent for a moment after hearing the news from Darwis. Shock and anxiety were clearly visible on his face. "The elite neighborhood? Where is my family?" his voice was full of confusion, and anxiety immediately spread to him. He looked at his subordinates with questioning eyes. Carson even swallowed. "We have to leave immediately. We have no more time. Let's go," he ordered firmly, without hesitation.His troops looked at each other. Still confused by what had happened, their brains were not working properly because today, too many things had happened. They worked so hard that their bodies and minds were exhausted.Carson, who saw that, patted their shoulders one by one. "Come on, let's go. We have to stop the bomb or there will be more casualties," he said.His troops nodded with a slightly blank stare. But they kept walking and, after a few seconds, finally understood what was happening.His troops quickly launched a focused search operation, dividing into groups to explo
Inside the room that was once dominated by the criminals, the atmosphere was now different. Carson stood upright in front of a large desk, where maps and important information were scattered. Around him, his subordinates, including his loyal men, stood with thoughtful expressions. They had just conquered the enemy base, and although the atmosphere was a little calmer, a feeling of anxiety and vigilance still coursed through them."Tonight is New Year's Eve, finally," said one of the soldiers with a relieved smile. "After everything that happened, it feels like we've accomplished everything. We can rest now.""Right," added another. "They've been defeated, we've won. It's over. Everything is calmer."Carson looked at them all with a serious gaze, but no smile appeared on his face. When he finally opened his mouth, his voice sounded calm yet full of a deep burden. All gazes were fixed on Carson."It's not over yet," Carson said, furrowing his brow.Everyone fell silent at those words. T
Behind the dark screen, the criminals sat with evil smiles etched on their faces. They felt no anxiety or fear of the consequences of what they were doing. Instead, they celebrated the chaos they had created as if this was a game they were enjoying. In a cramped room filled with computer screens and communication devices, one of them stood confidently, looking at his colleagues, who were laughing uproariously.They were a bunch of crazy people who loved chaos. They were doing all this for fun, especially since Carson had captured their leader. No one could restrain them, which made them even crazier and freer."You see," the man said in a low voice, full of confidence, "no matter how hard they try, they'll never be fast enough to stop us. No matter how many they send, we're already ahead of the game. They will only play in the game we make."Across the table, his partner nodded with a wide smile, his eyes twinkling. "This is very fun indeed. If they die, we'll bring more dead with us.
The atmosphere in the town of Springvale was tense, but as time passed, most citizens still went about their routines with little knowledge of what was really going on behind the scenes. They were deliberately not allowed to know what was happening.A few residents gathered in a café not far from the city center, enjoying a cup of morning coffee. Some glanced outside, noting the number of military vehicles and troops that seemed to be getting ready. A large truck full of equipment was also seen stopped in front of the government building. Although most of them didn't know exactly what was going on, the rumbling sound was quite obvious and made them wonder."Look at that. It looks like something big is happening," said one resident, a man in his 40s sitting by the window. He observed the soldiers passing by in full uniform, his hand holding a coffee cup. Do you think this has something to do with New Year's Eve preparations?"A young woman sitting at the table next to him looked out wi
Arriving at the car, he threw his luggage into the side seat roughly, then started the engine with a shudder. When he stepped on the gas pedal, the roaring sound of the engine seemed to represent the anger that was welling up inside him. On the way to his house, his head continued to be filled with images of the fallen victims, the faces he could not save.On the way, Carson grabbed his cell phone and dialed Darwis' contact number. A long ringing sound was heard before Darwis finally picked it up."Darwis," Carson's voice sounded hoarse, trying to hold back his emotions. "This isn't the end for us. I promise I'll handle this better."Darwis was silent for a few seconds. He sensed Carson's disappointment. "I understand, General. We won't let our guard down again either. Forgive us for being negligent." He felt disappointed in himself. "If only we had moved quickly, maybe the bomb wouldn't have exploded, and there wouldn't have been any casualties. All of this is my fault.""You can't b
Cason sat in his chair, his eyes not leaving the large screen in front of him. Although the atmosphere in the headquarters was getting tense, he felt that something was making him more anxious than ever. Slowly, he pulled out his cell phone from his pants pocket, staring at the name on the screen, Alison. He was worried about his wife's state.He took a deep breath before pressing the call button as if gathering the strength to hear the voice he had missed for so long because he was busy with this stressful situation. The phone rang for a few seconds, and finally, Alison's soft voice was heard on the other end."Hello, darling," Alison's soothing voice seemed to sweep away some of his worries.Carson sat up and leaned his back against the chair, trying to calm himself down. "Hello, sweetheart. Are you all right?" Carson said, his voice soft despite the anxiety in his heart."I'm fine." Alison was a little shocked that Carson would ask such a question just now. "Are you okay? If there'
After securing the enemy leader, Cason and his subordinates took him to a dark and isolated room nearby, where the interrogation would take place. The room was lit only by a small chandelier hanging in the center, giving it a tense feel. In one corner, there was a cold metal table, and the chair facing it was empty as if awaiting their role in this interrogation. The leader of the enemy, his face was pale. He was beginning to fear what Carson would do to him.The man, now bound and looking more tired than ever, sat with his body slightly bent. His eyes were red, and he was breathing heavily. In front of him, Cason stood with a sharp gaze. Darwis, along with several other team members, stood by the door, guarding against any interruptions during the interrogation process.Cason walked slowly around the table, his steps heavy and full of a chilling, murderous aura. He didn't say a word, just looked at the enemy leader, who seemed to be getting more and more panicked at Carson's aura."W
Cason faced the two men with his abilities. It turned out that his two opponents were stronger, and again, the two were very compact and very difficult to defeat. Without hesitation, he moved quickly, utilizing his speed and agility to dodge their attacks. His steps were measured while his two opponents worked together, trying to surround him from two directions.The big man moved first, trying to pin Cason down with big, fast steps. However, Cason was ready. He stepped back one step, nimbly dodging the man's outstretched hand. In an instant, he seized the opening, darting forward and blocking the movement of the small man who was trying to get close. Cason's movements were so fast that the little man could only be stunned for a moment, giving Cason room to go further.However, the big man did not give up. He turned around and attacked with a sharp movement, trying to hit with full force. Cason dodged quickly, just a step away from the attack. Cason's every move was meticulous, making