Can’t Win Me Back

It wasn’t me. Mr. Schmidt… I wouldn’t…” Amber’s voice trembled as she struggled to articulate each word. Her eyes held a shaky semblance of innocence as if she were being wrongfully accused.

No one understood the consequences of betraying Jameson better than her.

She didn’t fear death itself. On the contrary, she dreaded dying for no good reason at all.

Thus, she fought to defend herself. “Mr. Schmidt, what would I gain from betraying you? Only Mr. Moses and I are privy to this information. Wouldn’t you discover the truth swiftly if I had acted against you? Why would I be foolish enough to wish for my own demise?

“Besides, I’m practically under constant surveillance here. How could I have possibly contacted Ms.

Alyssa or Mr. Beckett? How could I betray you?”

Her words chipped away at Jameson’s rage. She’d hit the right point.

Amber continued, “Mr. Schmidt, you gave me this life. Without you, I have nothing. In the past, I’ve even tried to hurt Jasper myself. If you were to lose to them, I would be left defenseless.

grip loosened on her chin, a hint of uncertainty creeping

then, the door burst open. Carl rushed in, his face a mask of panic.

Schmidt, there’s trouble!”

his tie in frustration. “What

“A-Axel is here!”

felt as though her head were about to split open,

It was as if Axel had reached out from the memory, squeezing

Axel?” Jameson’s voice was taut with tension

teeth. “The audacity

he didn’t come with good intentions. Mr. Schmidt, shall I teach him

seasoned secret agent with amateur skills?” Jameson adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. “He wouldn’t dare enter the Millennium without a plan. Amber, change your attire. You’ll meet