The woman let out a short, scornful laugh. "You think—"

She barely got the words out before the man launched himself forward, moving with a speed and agility that defied her expectations—and her reflexes. In an instant, he kicked her clear across the room. The pistol flew from her hand and clattered on the floor.

Towering over her, he looked down with cold contempt. His voice was flat, laced with biting sarcasm. "Follow an idiot, and you become one yourself."

She lay sprawled on the ground, her elbow shattered, a sharp ache radiating through her chest with every breath. Her face had turned deathly pale, but her eyes blazed as she stared up at him. "Go ahead, kill me. Otherwise, I'll keep coming for you."

At that moment, four men in black tactical gear burst in, rifles trained on her. A housekeeper hurried in as well, rushing to tend to the wound on Gab's arm, her hands trembling with nerves.

The woman showed no fear. Chin raised, she maintained a defiant, almost heroic composure, ready to face death without flinching.

Gab straightened, his gaze lingering on the woman's face-a face that bore an uncanny resemblance to Sylvia's. His tone was mild, almost bored. "Take her away and deal with her as a spy."

"Yes, sir!" Two of the men hauled the woman to her feet and dragged her out.

"Gabriel! Kill me! Just do it!" she spat, struggling and screaming as they pulled her away.

Gab walked out onto the balcony, watching as she was dragged into the darkness. Her screams pierced the night, raw and unyielding.

He glanced down at his arm. Blood still seeped through the white bandages, staining them in thin, crimson lines-lines that reminded him of the red mandalas inked across her back: vivid and alluring, impossible to forget.

J City

It was Friday, and the office buzzed with a lively, upbeat energy. There's nothing quite like the anticipation that comes before the weekend.

After wrapping up a meeting, Sylvia returned to her office. Milanda was waiting, waving Sylvia's phone in the air. Is him again. Honestly be relentless content

Ever since the company dinner, Greg hadn't stopped calling, insisting he owed Sylvia a proper apology over lunch.

Sylvia had already turned him down three times, but Greg was nothing if not persistent.

"I don't get it," Milanda said, rolling her eyes with a grin. "Greg's acting like he terrified of us! You don't think Mr. Winters had a little chat w with him, do you?" fo FindNovel.net

Before Sylvia could reply, Greg's number flashed on her screen again.

She answered, her tone polite but cool. "Mr. Farley, apologies—I was just in a meeting."

Greg's voice was unfailingly courteous, almost deferential, and he insisted on apologizing to her in person.

Seeing how determined he was, Sylvia finally relented. "Alright, let's do lunch today."

"Perfect! I'll make arrangements right away," Greg replied warmly. "I'll have a driver pick you up, Ms. Jarvis."

"That's not necessary. I can drive myself."

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before settling on a restaurant, and then Sylvia hung up, returning her focus to work without a second thought.

At noon, she drove to the hotel where Greg had reserved a private room. Inside,

Greg and Mrs. Farley were already waiting, along with two unfamiliar faces.

Greg stood up to greet her, his smile beaming with forced warmth. “Ms. Jarvis, thank you so much for coming! Please, have a seat."

Even Mrs. Farley stood to greet her, a far cry from the sharp-tongued woman Sylvia remembered from before She personally pulled out Sylvia's chair and poured her a glass of water, her manner suddenly

gracious and attentive.

Sylvia smiled politely. "No need to be so formal, Mr. and Mrs. Farley. I've just been

swamped at work this week, that's all."