"Yep, that’s the one — and it’s exclusively for you... Jarvis."
A glint flickered across Lola’s eyes as she smirked.
There was a reason Lola preferred working alone back then. It was because of betrayal. Her trust toward others had been shaved away by her own family, and being part of Vito’s organization had only amplified that.
But since the Order was different—and deep in her heart, she wanted to help Atlas keep the Zorken family untouchable, so no one would dare hurt her children—she took this mission. Her goal might have been to make sure everyone would get out of here alive, but by achieving that, it would also send a ssage to those who had been eyeing the Order.
Even so, the realization that soone was leaking information about their movents set off alarm bells in her head.
So, Lola decided to do an elimination process.
By sending a ssage to those in the underground first, scratching them off the suspect list was more efficient. She could deal with the group with her later if this didn’t answer the questions in her head.
In other words, she put things to the test.
By giving out the hint [Do not listen] to those in the underground, they would find out she was bluffing. aning, even if she claid there was another exit, if the traitor was among them, the rcenaries wouldn’t move toward the west side district.
If the rcenaries didn’t take action, then that ant the traitor was not among them.
So, that should narrow it down to the group she was with — the Bellemonte n, the boss, the lackey, and the very few n from Gigante. Who knew? They might have found the chance to report what was happening and what she was planning.
After all, these rcenaries reached District Five even before them.
Soone must have tipped them off, right?
That logic also applied to the big: [what if everyone in the underground facility were dead and only the traitor was left?]
If that were the case, they would have already been onto her, since she had exposed herself at a location where she knew hidden caras were present.
What Lola didn’t consider was their comms.
It was an easy deduction, especially since her mind had been in overdrive since the mission began.
How could these people know about the west side?
If the traitor was among those in the underground, they should have known she was bluffing. But if soone was secretly listening, how would they know she was bluffing?
And for this many enemies to move within the district in such a short amount of ti, it beca easy to identify who was eavesdropping.
Jarvis.
The only man the governor trusted—and also the only one who actually had a brain in this governnt. After all, the governor was a well-known fool, and that was no secret to anyone.
Suddenly, a light chuckle was heard across everyone’s comms. And just hearing the first wave of that shallow sound, a glint flickered in her eyes.
She had heard that chuckle before, and it was sothing Lola would never forget.
After all, it was a chuckle she had once failed to mute.
"That took you so ti," ca Jarvis’s voice, making everyone connected to the line widen their eyes. "I was hopeful you’d figure it out faster than you did. But I won’t complain. I found all the conversation exchanges in this line quite... amusing."
aning, he had listened to every exchange, compromising every plan spoken here.
And Lola didn’t doubt that.
This man, after all, was the reason this region remained in power despite having a fool for a governor.
"It’s been a while," she quipped. "My body is just starting to adjust to what it’s like being on a mission."
As the conversation continued, those on the camp team were already working nonstop to create another channel. anwhile, those nearby spread out for protection, knowing their location had likely been compromised.
Those who were listening and already in the territory either searched for places to hide or put their plans on hold—including Izu and Pika, who had been headed toward the main city.
Pika worked tirelessly inside a public toilet—the nearest place they could hide—helping the camp’s tech team as his line connected everyone else. Izu, on the other hand, stood guard as a lookout, eyes sharp, ears focused on the exchange in the line.
They had no idea.
None of them had any idea that soone had been eavesdropping on their conversations until Lola finally joined the line.
"I hope you adjust faster, Lune," Jarvis humd. "After all, your tardiness bought plenty of ti. The friends you brought with you truly trusted each other and had no qualms exchanging information."
A wicked grin appeared on his usually calm face. He leaned back into the armchair, propping an elbow on the armrest, fingertips resting against his temple.
"Lune, you know my people in District Five aren’t the only ones at my disposal," he said calmly. "While you were taking your ti adjusting, I’ll tell you what’s going to happen."
"So of my n were already in the Main City and neighboring areas, checking every face and taking down those not in the system—or anyone suspicious," he continued. "Another group is heading to the entrance where your people are doing their little camping activity. And another is moving toward the locations where so of your people are spread out."
He paused, his smirk widening. "Best of all, the group Haji is in is currently imprisoned. Don’t worry. They’re still alive... but not for long."
"They’ll be executed in less than an hour," he added knowingly, clearly enjoying the silence on the line. "All five of them, including Haji. And knowing you, I’m certain you’ll try to save a friend. You should try, Lune."
He could feel their terror. Their panic. And if there was anything he enjoyed most, it was this kind of ga.
"I’d like to see you try, and see how you’ll turn the tides," he teased. "But this won’t be like years ago. I guarantee that."
Lola listened in silence. Then, a mont later, soone shouted on the sa line.
"They’re here," a voice from the camp team said.
Jarvis’s eyes glead with triumph.
"When you and Haji escaped this place, you should have promised yourselves never to return," he said. "And yet, not only did you co back, you even brought your friends. I wonder... if they regret listening to soone like you."
The smile on Lola’s face faded slightly as she lowered her head. For a few seconds, there was nothing but pure silence.
"Jarvis, I think you’re mistaken about one thing," she whispered, still keeping her gaze down. "I’m not the one in command here."
Jarvis arched a brow as the corners of her mouth curled into a smirk. "Oh? Then I wonder who is."
Finally, a familiar voice echoed through the line—one Jarvis recognized imdiately by its strange, toneless quality.
"I am."
Reviews
All reviews (0)