Thane’s POVHe looked at me and smiled faintly, the kind of smile that’s always filled with a plan. “Now, we improvise,” he ordered while signaling to me.Without warning, he kicked a trash can toward the first man and shouted, “Run, Thane! Run, Theresa!”The market in Paris exploded into chaos as gunshots went through the air. People screamed and ran in every direction. Theresa shrieked in fear, and I pulled her down beside a dumpster. I fired two quick shots, forcing the two men chasing us to take cover.Paul moved fast—really fast. He tackled the first man with his fists, knocking the gun out of his hand. The way he fought, it was clear he’d done this a hundred times before.They struggled fiercely, but Paul landed a hard punch that made the man stumble. He grabbed him by the collar and slammed his head against the wall.“Theresa, go!” I yelled, my voice sounded loud.She ran toward the street, hiding behind the line of shops. I followed closely, making sure she was safe.Paul had

Thane’s POVAfter leaving the clinic, the sky was already getting dark, the streets were still glowing with lights from cars, cafés, and tall buildings.Paul was quiet most of the time as we walked back to the car. He looked deep in thought, maybe thinking about our traveling to china, to see Dr. Henry.Theresa walked beside me, with her arms crossed, while shivering a little. “I can’t believe that receptionist got what he deserved,” she said, smiling. “Those slaps were epic.”I laughed. “Yeah, Paul made sure he’ll remember him forever.”Paul unlocked the car. “Enough about that fool,” he said calmly. “We need a place to rest. Somewhere quiet, private, and safe. I know just the place.”“Where?” I asked.He started the car. “The Grand Royale Hotel. It’s one of the best in Paris. No one will dare to look for us there.”Theresa’s eyes widened. “Wait, that’s the most expensive hotel in Paris!”Paul smirked. “Exactly why it’s perfect. Nobody expects people like us to hide in plain sight.”

Thane’s POVMorning finally came fast, and I had barely slept, my head was full of thoughts about the trip we were going to.There was a soft knock at my door.“Thane, you awake?” Theresa’s voice called out.“Yeah, come in,” I said, opening the door.She stepped in wearing a plain white shirt and jeans, her hair still wet from the shower.“Paul said to meet him for breakfast in twenty minutes,” she said.“Again? More breakfast?” I asked.She laughed. “Don’t act like you don’t love food.”I smirked. “Depends on who’s cooking.”“Not you, I hope,” she teased. “You almost burned water the other day.”“Hey, I was experimenting.”“Sure,” she said, rolling her eyes.We both laughed and went downstairs together. The hotel restaurant was quiet, soft music playing in the background. Paul was already there, sitting with a cup of tea and his tablet.“Good morning,” he said.“Morning,” I replied, sitting across from him.Theresa sat beside me. “You look serious already. What’s the meeting about th

Thane’s POVThe taxi stopped right in front of Charles de Gaulle Airport. The huge glass doors slid open and the cool air from inside the building brushed against my face. I stepped out first, helping Theresa with her bag, while Paul paid the driver.The place was already packed with travelers and families dragging suitcases, businesspeople checking their phones, and kids running around with excitement. The voice from the loudspeaker sounded really loud above us, calling out flight times in both French and English.Paul adjusted his jacket. “Alright, team. Welcome to the start of a very long day.”Theresa smiled. “As long as there’s food on that plane, I’m fine.”I shook my head, laughing. “You and your food again.”She nudged me playfully. “Don’t act like you don’t eat half the time too.”We joined the long queue near the check-in counter. The line moved slowly, and every few minutes, the loudspeaker called another group to board.Paul sighed. “You’d think traveling to China would co

Thane’s POVAfter a few minutes, he stood up from his chair and clapped his hands twice. A young woman in a white uniform appeared at the door. “Lian,” Henry said, “bring them a proper welcome meal. Make it special—fifteen trays.”“Fifteen?” Paul asked, looking surprised. “That sounds like a feast, not a meal.”Henry grinned. “In China, we welcome guests with more food than they can finish. It’s respect, not waste.”Theresa’s eyes lit up. “I love this country already.”We followed Lian to a long table near the window. The city lights outside looked stunning. Beijing was glowing in gold and red. Within few minutes, the table was filled with trays. While the smell of the food filled the whole room immediately.Henry walked around like a proud host, pointing at each dish. “Here we have "Kung Pao Chicken", Sweet and Sour Pork", Dumplings, Peking Duck, Hot Pot, Spring Rolls, Chow Mein, Steamed Fish with Ginger, Mapo Tofu, Fried Rice, Beef Noodles, Egg Tarts, Wonton Soup, Sesame Balls, and