Rise and shine

Chapter 22

Tom's POV:

Sean burst through the door, exclaiming, "They took the bait, one billion!"

Allison quipped, "A billion? Hard to believe those two losers pulled it off."

I interjected, "Now, let's proceed to the next step." I could sense their curiosity about what came next; it was simple, we were going to take control of the company.

*****

Max returned home very late that night. He knocked on the door, but no one answered.

Growing frustrated, he called out to Ariana, "Hey, Ariana, I know you're in there!"

He yelled multiple times, but Ariana's deep sleep rendered her oblivious to his calls.

Max banged on the door repeatedly, desperation building as he shouted, "I swear I'll barge in if you don't open up!"

With no response forthcoming, he gave up and left, heading to the home of the mysterious woman.

At her doorstep, he knocked just once, and she promptly opened the door.

"You're back again?" she questioned, her tone revealing a mix of curiosity and something else.

"Uh..