12 - Mouse Alley

“I didn’t expect you to have such a challenging plan.” Lucas admired Odde's explanation.

Lucas sat for quite a while, listening and absorbing Odde's plan, feeling a wave of trust growing between them.

Their conversation flowed easily as they discussed strategies, but soon it was time for Lucas to leave. “I think it’s time for me to go,” Lucas said, glancing at the watch on his wrist.

He had promised his wife, Luna, that he would be home early, even though he was a husband under contract. Lucas felt a sense of responsibility.

“Thank you, Odde,” Lucas said, rising from the sofa. “We have a solid plan. I’ll be heading home now. Luna must be waiting.”

Odde nodded, smiling understandingly. “Give my regards to Luna. And Lucas, stay strong. We’ll get through this together.”

Odde watched Lucas leave, a faint smile on his face. “A young man with determination, what will he become when he has ambition,” Odde murmured in the empty room.

Lucas pondered the day's events. The press conference by Hu