Chapter 42 Turned Tables

• Luca
• The basement went eerily quiet as the five men hesitated, their hands trembling as they raised their phones to their ears. I watched them closely, my expression neutral but my mind razor-sharp, calculating every reaction.
• One by one, their faces drained of color as voices on the other end delivered news that left them visibly shaken. Thomas staggered back, his phone slipping from his fingers and clattering to the floor. Samuel’s breathing grew rapid, his lips parting as though to protest but no words came out.