Ethan Sullivan's gaze darkened.
His fingers tapped lightly against the desk.
"I'll arrange the black market deal soon."
Sophia Sullivan gave a slight nod.
She never wasted words.
With the deal settled, there was no need for pretense.
Ryan Lawrence stood nearby, his expression stormy.
He couldn't stand Ethan's arrogant demeanor.
"Since Mr. Sullivan has taken charge, Sophia can rest today."
He turned to her, his eyes softening with warmth.
"There's a new movie tonight. Want to go?"
Ethan scoffed.
"I checked the listings. Only horror screenings left."
His gaze flicked to Ryan.
"If you actually cared about her, you wouldn't suggest something so thoughtless."
Ryan's fists clenched.
He barely restrained his temper.
"If you hadn't dragged Sophia away earlier, we'd have finished our conversation by now."
"Is that so? My apologies."
The air turned icy.
Their locked gazes crackled with tension.
Sophia rubbed her temples.
She turned to leave without hesitation.
"Enjoy your chat. I have things to do."
Before they could respond, she was already gone.
Only Ethan and Ryan remained in the alley.
They exchanged one last glare before turning away.
Walking in opposite directions.
——
Deep in the Underground City.
Abigail Clementson stared intently at the holographic screen.
Data streams cascaded like waterfalls.
Pop-up windows flashed incessantly.
She was so absorbed that she didn't notice the footsteps behind her.
Until a hand touched her shoulder.
"How's the server repair progressing?"
Abigail nearly jumped out of her skin.
She whirled around, clutching her chest, before recognizing Sophia.
"Boss! You scared me half to death!"
Sophia arched a brow.
"You were too focused."
Abigail chuckled sheepishly, then straightened with a professional air.
"Thirty percent of the corrupted code remains."
"Good." Sophia nodded. "Double bonus when it's done."
Abigail's eyes lit up.
"Thanks, boss!"
A sudden crash interrupted them.
"Open up!"
The woman's voice was loud and demanding.
Abigail instantly grabbed her dagger.
The Underground City was never peaceful.
But Sophia raised a hand to stop her.
Her fingers flew across the control panel.
Metal barriers rose around the main server.
The warehouse returned to its ordinary appearance.
Sophia slipped on a half-mask before pulling open the steel door.
"What do you want?"
A woman in a leather jacket stood outside.
Her hair was dyed in garish colors, a baseball bat resting on her shoulder.
She looked like a clown who'd escaped the circus.
Sophia recognized her.
Jessica Lopez, one of the Underground City's enforcers.
"Lucky you, Crimson Serpent." Jessica smirked. "Amy wants this place. She'll pay ten times the rent."
She peered inside with disdain.
"Clear out in three days."
Jessica studied the eyes behind the mask.
The Underground City didn't ask about origins—only money mattered.
When this woman had bought the base years ago with cold hard cash, everyone assumed she'd stay.
Yet she rarely appeared.
Stranger still, the base remained impenetrable. No thief had ever succeeded.
Rumors even spoke of hidden assassins.
But now, she seemed like nothing more than a woman putting on airs.
Yet the response surprised her.
Sophia leaned lazily against the doorframe.
"Not interested."
Her voice was calm.
"Tell your Amy to find somewhere else."
Behind the mask, her lips curved slightly.
"Or—"
"Have your boss come talk to me himself."