As Sophia and Alexy side by side on the bed, a pillow barrier neatly dividing the space between them, an uneasy silence settled in the room.


    "Sophia," Alex began softly, breaking the quiet.


    "We''ve been sharing passionate love, and I''ve seen all of you. Don''t you think this barrier is pointless?"


    She didn''t respond.


    "Isn''t this a bit childish? We''re both adults."


    Still, no answer came.


    "Are you already asleep?" he whispered, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing.


    Sophia fought the urge to reply, nearly blurting out, ''Yes, so please be quiet,'' but she remained steadfast, pretending to be asleep.


    "Alright then," Alex murmured after a moment.


    "By the way, the medallion you returned to me... it''s the only connection I have to my parents. Thank you for that."


    Her heart softened at his sincerity.


    Raised to always express gratitude, she felt a tug to respond but resisted, keeping up her facade.


    After another pause, Alex spoke again.


    "Sophia, the truth is, I''m actually quite wealthy and influential. If you ever need anything, just let me know. I could help make your dreamse true."


    She rolled her eyes internally. “There he goes again,'' she thought. ''Always bragging.''


    Suddenly, Alex began to recite softly:


    "We are ever the aloof and silent lovers,


    passing each other in dreams."


    Sophia''s brow furrowed slightly. Was he trying to be poetic?


    "Two hearts bound yet apart,


    whispering words no one dares speak.


    11


    The moment hung in the air until Alex broke it with a mischievous grin.


    "Sophia, I need to say something..."


    Sophia''s heart raced. Was Alex trying to seduce her with poetry? Did he truly love her? She wasn''t ready for such confessions.


    Then Alex added with a smirk, "I want to fart. Is it okay if I do it here?"


    "No!" she blurted out instinctively, instantly realizing she''d exposed herself.


    He chuckled, ncing over at her. "So, you''re not asleep after all."


    She turned away, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.


    "How shameless can you be, saying something like that!"


    "What?" Alex replied, feigning innocence. "You never fart Guess you''re not human then."


    "I have a busy day tomorrow. Just go to sleep," she retorted, trying to sound annoyed.


    "Alright, alright," he said with a smile in his voice. "Goodnight."


    Meanwhile, Bianca walked briskly back to her apartment, her neck still aching from the encounter earlier.


    Security had questioned her extensively about the incident with Chris at Jasmine''s office, but since she appeared to be another victim, they eventually let her go..


    The cold night air did little to soothe her nerves as she approached her building.


    Unlocking her door, she stepped inside only to find her apartment in disarray- drawers pulled out, belongings strewn everywhere.


    "Chris must have been here," she thought, a mix of fear and frustration welling up inside her.


    Before she could process the situation, a strong hand mped over her mouth from behind.


    "Are you alone?" Chris''s voice whispered urgently in her ear.


    Her heart mmed against her ribcage. She nodded slowly.


    "Did anyone follow you?" he demanded softly.


    She shook her head, her eyes wide with fear.


    "Good," he murmured. "I''m going to let go now. Don''t scream."


    He released his grip, and she spun around to face him.


    "Why did you attack me?" she hissed, anger shing in her eyes. "You left me unconscious!"


    "It was the only way to keep you out of suspicion," Chris replied, his gaze darting around the room. "If they thought you were involved, they''d have arrested you.”


    She narrowed her eyes. "And what about Jasmine? You tried to kill her!"


    "I didn''t push her," he snapped defensively. "She jumped on her own when she saw me."


    Bianca took a step back, a mix of fear and disbelief coursing through her. "I don''t even know who you are anymore.


    "Bianca, please," Chris implored, softening his tone. "You know me. All I want is to clear my name and reim what''s rightfully mine. I''m not a murderer."


    "You hit me. You lied to me. How can I possibly trust you now?" she shot back, her voice trembling.


    He clenched his jaw, desperation creeping into his eyes. "Because I need you. And you need me. We can still get out of this together."


    "Get out of what?" she demanded. "What have you done?"


    Taking a deep breath, Chris pulled out aptop from his bag.


    "Look at this," he said, opening it to reveal an ount bnce that made her gasp.


    “Is that... a billion dors?” she whispered, her mind struggling toprehend the number of zeros.


    He nodded. “Jasmine''s assets. With your help, we can transfer it. Half of it is


    yours."


    Bianca stared at the screen, temptation warring with her conscience.


    "This is theft," she said quietly. "It''s wrong."


    "It''s justice," Chris argued.


    "After everything they''ve done to me-to us-we deserve this. Don''t you see how Jasmine destroyed Rnd''s family with just a singlemand? My whole family


    is already losing money because of her. This is justice."


    She looked up at him, searching his face. "And what exactly do I have to do?"


    "Just help me ess the ounts. Then we can disappear, start fresh somewhere far away."


    They say men can''t resist a beautiful woman''s seduction, and women can''t resist the lure of wealth.


    "Do you think we can really get this money?" Bianca asked, her voice trembling. "Half of it is yours," Chris said smoothly, trying to win her over. "Are you in?" Bianca hesitated, the temptation wing at her.


    As an office worker with a modest sry, the allure of such immense wealth sparkled like a distant dream. And yet, it was within her reach-she could im half of it. Half a billion dors.


    But deep down, she knew the truth. If she said yes, she''d fall into the same pit Chris had-one of crime and betrayal.


    Loves