?Chapter 820:


    Her heart thudded heavily. Was continuing the investigation really that dangerous? But could she stop? No. Even if the path wasced with danger—even if it cost her life—she wouldn’t quit until she uncovered the truth.


    Her resolve hardened.


    Ste checked the time, drew in a steadying breath, and made her choice. She would go to the meeting tonight. But she would not go unprepared.


    From herb drawer, she pulled out a slim recording device and slipped it into her pocket. Her gaze fell on a small handmade knife resting on the table. She hesitated only a moment before tucking it into her bag.


    Finally, she set up a scheduled message to Sharon. It would send at 10:30 p.m., telling her to call the police if Ste hadn’t checked in by 11. The message included the bar’s address.


    That was the best she could do. Sharon would understand immediately. That was the kind of unspoken trust they had built over the years.


    It waspletely dark by the time Ste’s taxi pulled up in front of the Neon Haze Bar on the eastern edge of town.


    The ce looked nothing like the city’s upscale lounges. Nestled in a half-forgotten street, the bar’s weathered storefront was marked by a flickering neon sign that glowed with a suggestive light. Faint music leaked through the door, a low thrum that reached Ste’s ears.


    She pushed the door open, and the heavy stench of tobo smoke hit her instantly, making her wrinkle her nose.


    Inside, the bar was dim, shadows pooling in every corner. Only a handful of patrons were scattered in booths, each lost in their own world. Nobody paid her the slightest attention.


    Her pulse quickened in rhythm with the bass. Taking a steadying breath, Ste followed the directions from the email, her steps carrying her toward a booth deep inside.


    It was tucked away in the farthest corner, darker than the rest of the room. A chill skated down her spine—if someone stabbed her here, her body wouldn’t be found until closing time.


    Ste slowed her pace. On the sofa, a lone figure sat with their back to her, a ck hoodie pulled low to hide their face.


    Let your imagination soar with g?lnσν???s


    Her throat tightened.


    Heart pounding, she stopped at the edge of the booth. “Did you send me the email?”<fna9fb> Updates are released by fin?novel</fna9fb>


    At the sound of her voice, the figure turned.


    The moment she saw his face, Ste’s eyes widened in shock. Amon. Her breath caught. Him again.


    A smug smile curved his lips. He leisurely tugged off the hood, revealing a devilishly handsome face lit with malicious amusement.


    “Ms. Russell,” he drawled, swirling the ss in his hand, ice clinking lightly, “punctual as ever. Not a second early.”


    His gaze sharpened, mockery dancing in his eyes. “Seems the truth really matters to you. You’d never waste time on me if I invited you, yet for the promise of a hidden—”


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