The Wrong Woman

With that, Nathan bolted out of Sudvilla, with Cole following closely behind.

Mila remained rooted in place, her fists clenching slowly as tears clouded her sight.

She knew Nathan all too well. A man of his mettle would help even a stranger, let alone a friend and colleague in need. Yet, she couldn't approve of his actions as well as shaking off the unease gnawing at her.

Phoebe, alerted by the commotion, dashed out of her room. She caught sight of Cole and Nathan hurriedly leaving.

Rushing downstairs, she asked, "Mila, what's happening? Why are they in such a rush?"

Mila stood motionless, offering no response.

Phoebe approached her. Seeing the tear stains on her face, she grew alarmed and gently held her hand. "Mila, why are you crying? Are you not feeling well?"

Mila closed her eyes, tears trickling down her cheeks. She shook her head, unable to articulate her feelings. It felt as if a heavy weight was pressed upon her chest.

The night sky was shrouded in darkness, without a single star in sight. Two hours had slipped by, and Nathan had yet to return.

Mila stepped outside, standing beneath the glow of the streetlamp in the garden path. Her gaze pierced through the darkness, anxiously

out here in the cold?" Phoebe's

to look at her. In that instant, Phoebe noticed a red dot on Mila's forehead. Her face drained of color, her voice

Perplexed, Mila frowned. "What?"

exclaimed, rushing over and throwing herself at Mila without

as a

embrace. Their bodies spun before

atop Phoebe. Her breaths came in rapid gasps, her heart raced, and her abdomen ached with sharp pains. A sense

Phoebe was drenched in sweat, her face drained of color as she grimaced

arm, her voice trembling with emotion. "Phoebe,

to clutch at her shoulder, her breaths ragged as she whispered in

house. She briefly

entrance. "Security, there's a sniper! Take cover,