The intensity of his stare conveyed a message, urging Peterson to consider the weight of his decision and the potential consequences that lay ahead. Peterson, now caught in the grip of undying curiosity and a sense of trepidation felt a surge of determination. He couldn't simply accept the offer without understanding the true motives behind it. The stakes were too high, and he needed to uncover the secrets hidden within the pages of that mysterious journal before making a life-altering decision. As if Gregg had read Peterson's mind, he finally said, "The journal is useless to you. You don't have any resources to utilize it and bring down the Walton Group of Companies but I do. I have got the resources. So, don't think too much about it and just tell me if you're accepting my offer." Gregg's words hung in the air, resonating with a clarity that seemed to pierce through Peterson's thoughts. It was as if Gregg had effortlessly deciphered the inner workings of Peterson's mind, lay
After Duncan took a seat, he motioned towards the empty seat across the table, asking Abigail to take her seat. Abigail, her thoughts racing and her composure shaky, hesitated for a moment before finally sitting down. She avoided making eye contact, her gaze drifting to a random spot in the room. In an attempt to calm her nerves, she absentmindedly fumbled with her collar, a nervous gesture that betrayed her uneasiness. Unbeknownst to Abigail, Duncan keenly observed her discomfort. Sensing her unease, he leaned forward slightly, his voice gentle as he asked, "Are you okay, Abigail?" Abigail's initial reaction was to dismiss his concern, attempting to mask her true emotions. "Me? Yeah, I'm cool," she replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Duncan, however, wasn't convinced. He had noticed the subtle signs of her agitation and could see through her façade. "You actually look unsettled now, that's why I asked," he pressed, offering his empathy. Caught off gua
Karla's thoughts tumbled in confusion, torn between the pressing issue with Duncan and the sudden appearance of this mysterious figure. She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the doorknob, contemplating whether to address Duncan's threat or confront the unknown person before her. The room filled with an uneasy stillness as she grappled with her options, knowing that her decision would have far-reaching consequences. But as the person turned on the fluorescent bulb, its bright light flooding the previously dim-lit restroom, Karla heaved a sigh of relief. It was then that she recognized the figure standing before her—it was none other than Xia, a friend and colleague. In her state of panic, Karla had failed to take a proper look earlier, and the dim lighting had triggered her xenophobia, causing her initial fear and confusion."What are you doing here...?" Xia began to ask, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and curiosity. However, before she could finish her sent
Abigail was momentarily stunned, not expecting such a response from Karla. She had anticipated a collaborative effort, but the notion of Karla actively participating in the mission took her by surprise. However, Abigail quickly composed herself, realizing that Karla's commitment to the cause was unwavering. Gathering her thoughts, Abigail nodded, a mixture of surprise and admiration in her eyes. "Alright then," she said, her voice filled with determination. "We will go together." Nodding her head, Karla leaned forward, her expression determined and focused. "When we follow him tomorrow, you'll stay outside and just keep surveying while I go in there, kick their damn asses, and grab the journal. Got it?" Abigail, feeling a creeping sense of franticness, nodded in response, attempting to hide her unease by looking away. "Alright. I am in," she replied, her voice filled with a mix of determination and apprehension. "See you later tomorrow," Karla said, concluding their conversatio
As the journal hit the ground with a thud, the sudden commotion caused everyone in the room to snap their gazes toward Karla, who had been lurking behind a tall barrel. Poised in a ready manner, her face concealed behind a masked veil, Karla emitted an aura of mystery, keeping her identity hidden. The unexpected turn of events put everyone on high alert, and they swiftly drew their guns in response to Gregg's rising anger. Tension filled the air as the atmosphere became charged with apprehension and unease. Gregg, his face contorted with fury, directed his fury towards Karla, pointing an accusatory finger in her direction. "Who are you?" he roared, demanding an answer from the mysterious intruder. Undeterred by Gregg's hostile question, Karla took a bold step forward, a sneer playing on her lips. With a fearless demeanor, she uttered her defiant response, her voice laced with determination. "I'm going to be your enemy, Mr." Without wasting a single second, Karla swiftly closed
Staring at Karla with a creeping feeling of remorse, Duncan hesitated for a moment. He outstretched his hand, intending to touch her shoulder in a gesture of comfort, but stopped his fingers just an inch away before ultimately dropping his hand. "Why do you have to be stubborn all the time?" Duncan asked, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and regret. Karla, determined to maintain her composure, resisted the urge to retort. She focused on fighting back her tears, refusing to let them burst forth and display her vulnerability. Not knowing what more to say, Duncan quietly left the room, the heaviness of the situation lingering in the air. The silence engulfed Karla, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the emotional turmoil that enveloped her. After a while, Abigail cautiously walked into the room, sensing the tension that had transpired between Karla and Duncan. Karla shifted her gaze to Abigail, her eyes filled with a mix of weariness and curiosity. "Look, I'm...
Regaining her voice, Karla couldn't contain her confusion and concern and immediately asked Duncan for clarification. "What do you mean?" she inquired, her tone filled with a mix of shock and disbelief. Duncan, however, remained silent, his face reflecting the weight of the revelation he had just shared. Observing Karla's attempt to sit up, he swiftly moved towards her, gently restraining her from making any sudden movements."What's wrong with you?" Duncan scolded lightly, his voice revealing a blend of worry and protectiveness. "You were shot in the abdomen, so you shouldn't move too much." Karla winced, feeling a sharp pain emanating from her wounded abdomen. A light scream escaped her lips, and Duncan's immediate presence provided comfort and support."But the doctor said the bullet grazed my abdomen," Karla protested, trying to make sense of the conflicting information. Duncan sighed softly, his voice tinged with a mixture of concern and frustration. "Shut up," he retort
As Julie's concerned gaze shifted towards Karla's noticeably bulging abdomen, she instinctively attempted to pull up Karla's clothing slightly to examine the area. However, Duncan, acting on instinct, swiftly caught Julie's hand before she could proceed. In a subtle gesture, he flicked an imaginary speck of dirt from her hair, attempting to divert her attention away from Karla's condition. Duncan, realizing the need to provide an explanation, spoke up, his voice calm yet slightly strained. "Karla and I spent the night somewhere last night," he said, his words carefully chosen. "She didn't sleep all night, which is why she's looking pale." Duncan hoped that this partial truth would suffice as an explanation for Karla's appearance. Confusion and disbelief filled Julie's expression as she processed Duncan's statement. "What? Why didn't she sleep?" she asked, her voice tinged with astonishment. Her mind was unable to grasp the reason behind Karla's sleepless night. Caught off guar