章 115: Baited

as she faced Francesco, the flickering fluorescent lights above casting a cold glow on his chiseled features. She could see the anger simmering just beneath the surface, an inferno ready to erupt.

"Where is she, Alessia?" Francesco's voice was a low growl, each word laced with menace.

Alessia took a cautious step back, her hands trembling as she fumbled with the contract she had signed just hours ago. She felt the weight of her decision pressing down on her, the ink sealing her fate. "I… I don't know, Francesco. Laura… she was taken. Thomas came for us, and Laura escaped. I stayed behind, I swear!"

Francesco's eyes narrowed, a flash of fury igniting his gaze. "Taken? You let her slip away from you?" His voice rose, echoing off the sterile walls of the lab. "You were supposed to protect her! Instead, you choose to play the martyr?"