Mrs. Martin stepped out of her mansion, her guards flanking her on either side. Her mind was already set on what she wanted to do.This meeting was going to determine her fate if she was going ahead with her plans or not.Her face was illuminated by the sun which was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything. She glanced at her watch, ensuring they were on schedule, before slipping into the back seat of the sleek black car waiting for her. Keeping time was needed to strike a deal.Her guards quickly took their positions, one in the driver's seat and the other in the passenger seat.As the car smoothly pulled away from the driveway, Mrs. Martin relaxed into the plush leather seat. The hum of the engine was a comforting background noise as they sped down the road. After a few moments, she reached out and pressed the button to lower the window. The warm breeze rushed in, carrying the scents of summer—freshly cut grass, blooming flowers, and a hint of the ocean's saltines

Mr. Almer’s question hung in the air, the weight of it pressing down on everyone in the room. Mrs. Martin’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure."Do you have a death wish?" Mrs. Martin groaned. "Pardon?" Mr. Almer asked, unsure of what he heard."I'm asking you if you wish to die so that I can make it snappy.""Mrs, martin what is that supposed to mean."Mr. Almer groaned."It means don't you ever question my purpose for this path I have chosen." She feigned as if she was heartbroken and clenched her chest."I lost my son, my precious boy because of that family and you think I will just let them off." She paused, then she clicked her tongue a few times as she continued."That's not how things are done. The rule is simple. Blood for blood." She groaned then her lips curved up in a smile that made her look like a psychopath."And I can assure you,almer I'll get blood. As much as I can get my hands on and down myself in it." She burst into laughter."

Mrs. Martin's back was still turned to him, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper.She clenched her fist and swallowed hard, feeling sorry for the choice she had to make because of his inability to choose wisely. “So, you’re choosing them over me and our son again?”She said turning to him with fire in her eyes."You have failed me again, countless times over the years and I thought maybe. Just maybe you do right by me but it was only my wishful thinking."Jason's father exhaled.He didn't mean to hurt her but he just couldn't let this much power go.His wife had something she didn't possess and he couldn't risk his future based on feelings and emotions but that didn't mean he didn't want to keep her by his side.His face contorted with frustration. “It’s not that simple. If I do what you are asking of me. it will spark a war among the families. You know the balance of power is delicate. One wrong move and everything could collapse.”"Again with the petty excuse bog keeping balanc

Mrs. Martin leaned back in the tub, the warm water soothing her tense muscles as she closed her eyes and let the petals float around her. She inhaled deeply, letting the subtle fragrance calm her nerves while her mind plotted her next move. She couldn’t afford any mistakes now; everything had to be perfectly executed.After a long soak, she dried herself off and slipped into a silk robe. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, practicing the sweet, innocent smile that had fooled Jason’s father so easily. It was almost amusing how gullible he was, but she had to remember that underestimating him could be a costly mistake.She stepped out of the bathroom to find Jason’s father setting the table for dinner. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the room, and she put on her best smile as she approached him.“Smells wonderful,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind. “You always know how to spoil me.”He turned and kissed her forehead, his eyes filled with

John chuckled, shaking his head."Who told you I am jealous." He rolled his eyes.John's face flattered and he rolled his eyes."Your face tells it all.""She just wanted to make sure I keep you safe, General. Nothing to be jealous about."Sullivan's expression softened, and he nodded. "She's always looking out for everyone. Let's go."They boarded the helicopter, the sound of the rotors growing louder as they prepared for takeoff. John glanced back one last time at the mansion, his thoughts lingering on Erica his darling wife.****Back at the mansion, Erica couldn't shake her worry. She paced the living room, her mind racing with thoughts of Sullivan and the danger he was walking into.He wanted to be there for him but she was going to be a barrier.Finally, she decided to check on Evelyn.John said she was sick and she hadn't stepped out of her room since morning.She knocked on Evelyn's door, waiting for a response."Come in," came the faint reply.Erica entered, finding Evelyn