Chapter 62

"Why should that matter to you?" Elenora typed back swiftly, although a nagging voice inside her reminded her of the risk in challenging Markus.

Time seemed to freeze as she awaited his response, her breath caught in her throat, each second amplifying the tension. When her phone finally buzzed, a chill ran down her spine.

“It goes against my code and you know that. I already let it slide twice. This third mistake shows that you developed a habit in making me go against my word.”

Reading and rereading the message, the gravity of her situation sank in; the words emanated a palpable threat. She was acutely aware of Markus's reputation and the lengths he'd go to preserve his integrity.

In her mind, a flurry of defenses formed. 'Didn't I have valid reasons? It was an act of desperation! And it's not as if there's a directory of hitmen I can turn to.'

Even though their association went way back, Elenora couldn’t shake off the dread that Markus might retaliate. Her only hope lay in appea