The flickering light from the television screen cast deep shadows over Karl''s face, making his features appear almost spectral-sinister and cold as a ghost.


    He stared at the woman being interviewed, his lips curling slowly into a twisted


    smile.


    "Ste, I won''t let you get away with this."


    After the solopetition came the ensemble round.


    This was where teamwork was truly put to the test—not just individual skill, but the ability to blend, to anticipate and support one another. In international


    Partners were assigned at random.


    Ste''s partner turned out to be Felipa, a girl in her early twenties with a natural gift for music and a spark in her eyes. Still, Felipa was green; to make it to the finals, she''d need more experience under her belt.


    Joshua drove Ste to the venue, the city rolling by outside as she sat in the passenger seat with her eyes closed, quietly gathering herself for thepetition ahead. Even though today''s round posed little real challenge for her, Ste knew better than to let her guard down-especially with Rachel in the mix, always scheming, always eager to trip up thepetition.


    The car was cloaked in an uneasy silence.


    Suddenly, Joshua spoke. "Ms. Cameron, today''s event is an ensemble. If your partner isn''t up to par, could it drag down your score?"


    Ste leaned back, eyes still closed and voice steady. "No. In ensembles, it''s all about synergy. Not everyone is at the same level-if it were just about raw ability, there''d be no point in having a team event."


    Joshua nodded. "I see."


    Just then, his expression shifted-tightening with concern. "Ms. Cameron, we might have a problem."


    Ste''s eyes snapped open. "What''s going on?"


    Joshua checked the rearview mirror, gaze sharpening. "We''re being followed."


    Ste twisted in her seat and saw them-several unmarked cars, trailing at a careful distance.


    Joshua kept his pace steady, not giving anything away. "They don''t realize we''ve spotted them yet. If


    catch on, they might try to box What do you want to do?"


    This was the only road to thepetition venue.


    Ste thought for a moment. "There''s a side road up ahead. Take it."


    "Understood."


    Ten minutester, Joshua''s jaw was set in a grim line. "Ms. Cameron, they''re still on us. And..." He nced at the road ahead, where more cars appeared, blocking their path. "Looks like they were expecting us to take this detour. They want to corner us."  ?wnovel


    A cold weight settled in Ste''s chest.


    hye fors


    There was no chance to switch drivers now; they weremitted.


    Joshua broke the silence again, voice tense. "Should I try to lose them?"


    Ste hesitated, caught off guard by the question.


    Joshua, misreading her pause, pressed on. "Unless... you''d rather we go out in a ze of glory?"


    Before Ste could protest, he nodded, as if convincing himself. "Forgive me, Ms. Cameron. That was thoughtless. If we lose them now, they''ll just find us again. Maybe a crash is the only way to end this once and for all."  s?novel


    Ste: "..."


    Had she even said anything?


    She opened her mouth to speak, but Joshua was already flooring the gas.


    With a roar, the car shot forward, slicing through the night.