Maria, Cassandra, and Laura remained seated near the basketball court, still deep in discussion about retrieving the missing docunts and reclaiming her parents’ apartnt that had been mysteriously sold off.
"So what exactly do you want to do now?" Cassandra asked, her voice laced with determination as she faced Maria.
"You’ll accept Bernard’s date proposal and go out with him tonight," Maria said, giving her friend a knowing look.
"Bernard’s a lightweight when it cos to alcohol, so that might give us an edge... but don’t suggest any drinks. If he doesn’t order it himself, please don’t push it."
Laura frowned thoughtfully. "I’d advise we don’t force or rush anything. Bernard’s too smart, and if he senses sothing’s off, the plan’s done for."
"So, what do you suggest, Laura?" Cassandra asked curiously.
"Just go with the flow," Laura replied gently. "Let the date feel natural. Don’t ask him any suspicious questions. He needs to trust you, not get suspicious."
"I agree with Laura," Maria nodded. "No rushing. But always keep us updated, alright?"
"Understood," Cassandra said, a firm nod following her words. "I’ll do my best to make this mission successful."
Their discussion wrapped up just as the college basketball team started arriving for their training session.
As expected, Jas was leading them, walking in front with that warm, familiar smile, chatting with his teammates as they made their way to the dressing room beside the court.
Maria’s eyes lit up the mont she saw him. There was sothing about Jas that brought a sense of joy she couldn’t quite explain.
Just watching him gave her a reason to keep going—he was her light in all the darkness.
After about ten minutes, the team returned to the court to warm up. Jas, already in motion, spotted Maria from across the court and waved, flashing that charming smile that made her heart race.
She smiled back, feeling like the world paused just for a mont.
As she watched him, completely absorbed, her thoughts wandered. Jas wasn’t just soone she loved... he was her motivation.
Everything she was doing, including finding those docunts, felt more purposeful because she wanted a future where she could be free, where she could be with him without fear.
Her daydream was cut short when Laura nudged her arm gently.
"When you visited your parents’ apartnt, did you get to et the new owner?" Laura asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
Maria shook her head slightly, still focused on Jas. "No. I t the guard on duty. He told everything. Said the man’s na is Mr. Frederick. He owns a stock market company."
"I think I’ve seen him on TV a couple of tis," Cassandra said, recalling sothing. "He’s really good at what he does—always talking about stocks and investnts."
"Do you have any plans to et him?" Laura asked.
Maria sighed and finally looked away from Jas. "The guard said the only way to see him is by scheduling a business appointnt through his secretary or personal assistant. Strictly business grounds."
"So how do we make that happen without using your parents’ na?" Cassandra sounded both confused and a bit anxious.
"I honestly haven’t figured that part out yet," Maria admitted, folding her arms over her chest. "I’ve been thinking, but nothing concrete has co to mind."
"I think I can help," Laura said suddenly, a hopeful tone in her voice. "I’ll ask my dad to help book an appointnt. If he asks why, I’ll say I need guidance on the stock market and possible business ideas in Scotland after graduation. My dad loves business—he’ll do it and probably even pay the consultation fee."
Maria’s eyes widened, her face lighting up. "Laura... you’re an angel! I don’t know what I’d do without either of you!"
They all leaned in for a heartfelt group hug, but the sweet mont was interrupted by a familiar voice behind them. They turned and there stood Jas, shirt soaked in sweat, smiling down at them.
Maria froze for a second, heart fluttering. Just seeing him made her want to run into his arms, but with her friends present, she restrained herself.
"Hey Jas," she said, beaming. "How are you?"
"I’m doing great," he replied, flashing that heart-lting smile. "Didn’t an to interrupt your girl ti. Just wanted to say hi—I’ll be back after training."
Before she could respond, he jogged back to join his teammates.
Cassandra and Laura decided to leave. "Co with us," Laura urged.
Maria shook her head. "I want to talk to Jas once he’s done."
"Alright," Laura said with a smile. "But don’t stay too long, and stay alert."
After about fifteen minutes, the players wrapped up their session. Jas ran over to Maria.
"I’ll just clean up real quick and be right back," he said, jogging past with a wink.
Maria nodded, watching him disappear into the dressing room. But then, sothing unexpected happened.
She felt a presence behind her. When she turned, she saw a figure in a black mask, silently signaling her to keep quiet.
"I’m not here to hurt you," the man whispered in a bold, masculine voice. "Please read this, and when you’re done, call the number inside. Make sure you read it alone."
He handed her a small white envelope and walked away before she could say a word. Heart pounding, Maria quickly slipped the envelope into her bag just as voices rose from the dressing room.
Monts later, Jas erged, freshly cleaned and looking as handso as ever.
"Sorry for making a queen wait," he teased, bowing playfully.
Maria laughed, her nervousness fading at the sound of his voice. Every mont with him felt magical.
She almost told him about the envelope but stopped herself, rembering the warning. It was ant for her eyes only.
"So... how are you doing? Any progress with the docunt search?" Jas asked casually.
Maria chose her words carefully. "I’ve decided to slow down a bit. I don’t want to raise suspicion with Bernard or his family. They’ve already increased their security—now’s not the right ti."
Jas nodded. "You’re smart. That’s why I love you."
The way he said it sent a jolt through her heart. She wanted to kiss him right there but held back. It wasn’t safe—not out in the open.
"Let’s talk about us instead. I don’t want my issues to overshadow our ti together," she said softly.
"What do you want to talk about?" he asked, holding her hands gently, his thumb brushing over hers.
"When do we see each other again outside campus? Like last ti?" she asked with a grin.
"You choose," he said warmly. "I’ll always make ti for you."
"I think we should stick to the sa place. It’s safe and close to my place."
"Perfect," he agreed.
After a few more minutes of sweet conversation, they agreed Maria would head back to class first, and Jas would follow later.
***
anwhile, in a dimly lit office, Elijah Simons was on a call.
"What’s the progress on the attack?" he asked coldly.
"Everything’s ready," the voice on the other end replied. "But we’ll make it look like a robbery. There’ll be gunfire—your target will go down, but it’ll seem like random violence."
"Good. Keep posted. Launch it as soon as possible," Elijah said before ending the call.
He leaned back in his chair, a sinister smile creeping onto his face.
"Let the chaos begin," he muttered, laughing to himself in the darkness...
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