ct details, which they had meticulously crafted over months, were now circulating in the industry like wildfire. She felt a knot tightening in her stomac

her voice trembling with emotion. "How could

hought. "I don't want to jump to conclusions, Emma. We need to gather

rk was acting strange last week. He was too eager to get in

can't accuse him without proof. We need to focus on damage contr

I can't help feeling like I've been blindsided. I thought we were

this," Ryan replied softly. "But we have to st

of warmth in her chest, a reminder of their connection. But the weight of the situation loo

er voice steadier now. "We need to address thi

ed to make sure everyone is on the same p

f betrayal, and the thought of Mark's potential involvement gnawed at her. She had always considered him

e her inner turmoil. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice," she began, her voice steady. "As you may

act with Emma. "This is a disaster," he said, his voice l

but we also need to focus on how we can minimize

't shake the feeling that Mark was hiding something. After the meeting, she pulled Ryan aside, he

ncerned. "What

g the meeting felt off. Like he was trying to def

be we should talk to him privately. If he is

ed Mark together. "Can we talk

m surprise to apprehension. "

what you know about the leak, Mark. We can't move forward with

ly. "I swear, I had nothing to do with it! I'm just as

us understand what happened.

rheard some conversations that seemed... suspicious. People were talking about ou

Who was talking? We need names,

weight of the situation pressing down on him. 'But I overheard some guys at the café earlie

ment? Drugs? Weapons? We need to know more, Mark.

nswers he was searching for. 'I don't know, Emma. They were being careful. But I caug

find out who he is. Maybe we can get someone on the

voice low and cautious. 'We need to be careful. If

thing, Mark. People's lives are at stake. If there's a shipme

plan. We can't just rush in without knowing what we're dealing with. I'll tr

Maybe we can find someone who knows more about these guys. I'll talk to

l smile. 'Just promise me you'll be carefu

d, a hint of mischief in her tone. 'Beside

just a bit. 'Always. Just remember, if t

in. 'We need to meet back here in a couple of

h her veins. The stakes were high, but the thought of making a difference fuele

She scanned the room, searching for anyone who might have information. S

the seat across from him. 'Have you heard anyt

Yeah, I've heard of him. He's not someone you want to mess with.

'There's something big happening tonight, and I

. 'Alright, but you need to be careful. Rico doesn't play game

ance to make a difference, and she wasn't about to back down now. 'I'm re