CHAPTER 111

Jessica couldn’t shake the feeling that they were walking into a trap. As she and Phillip exited the private suite, the weight of the situation bore down on her, pressing against her chest like an iron vise. The halls of the Aton Empire’s headquarters were eerily silent at this late hour, the usual buzz of activity replaced by a heavy stillness. It was as if the building itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to break.

She glanced at Phillip, his face set in a mask of determination, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. His resolve was unwavering, but Jessica knew that even he had his limits. They were both running on fumes, the constant pressure of the investigation, the looming threat of Andrew Lane’s next move, and the knowledge that every decision they made could be their last all contributing to an unbearable sense of dread.

"Phillip," she said softly, reaching out to touch his arm. He stopped and looked at her, his expression softening slightly as their eyes met.

"We nee