Chapter 1188

Deanna kept a cheerful smile on her face, not showing a hint of displeasure.

"Josie, I'm heading out too. Just going to check back on things," she said.

Josie, as her friends liked to call her, nodded, "Keep me updated if anything comes up."

"Of course, thanks Josie."

With that, Josie shot a quick message to Alex before heading out. As she walked, she spotted Makiko, who seemed to be in quite a rush, leaving the scene. Josie picked up her pace, trying to follow her without being noticed.

Makiko slipped into an apartment building and vanished from Josie's view. Josie muttered a curse under her breath. She'd lost her.

Meanwhile, Makiko had already entered an apartment. It was a cramped three- bedroom flat, currently home to six middle-aged men. The room was thick with smoke, and the stench was so foul it nearly made Makiko gag.

As soon as the men saw Makiko, they quickly stubbed out their cigarettes, switched on the exhaust fans, and cracked open a window just enough to let some air in, careful not to draw any attention to their presence.

"This place is a dump! What are you, a bunch of pigs?" Makiko sneered, eyeing a chair with disdain before deciding against sitting.

The men, who had been cooped up in there for days, cut off from the outside world, bristled at her scolding.

"Makiko, we can't just stay holed up here forever. Isn't there something you can do to get us out?"

"My experiment was in progress, and now it's on hold because of this. I'll have to start all over when I get back."

"Time is money, Makiko. We want out of this godforsaken place."

"I can't take another day in this hellhole. Every day here is torture."

"If you won't help us leave, I'll go on my own!"

The room buzzed with their complaints, but Makiko, standing tall in her high heels, exuded authority with a cold smirk.

"Are you all actually thinking about defying me?" she challenged.

They exchanged uneasy glances and fell silent.

"If you're so eager to leave, go ahead. But once you step out that door, your lives are your own responsibility," Makiko warned, her voice icy.

The room fell silent, the bravado gone, replaced by a reluctant acceptance of their situation.

"Makiko, it's r not that we're trying to

Wering time we could be defy you. It's just that hiding heren et

using for our experiments

right?"

"Yeah, we want to get back to work."

"We're doing this for you too, Makiko."

Makiko's lips curled into a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "If you want to continue your work,

you stay out. Once the et

passes I'll make sure you get out

But for now, step out at your own risk. I won't say it again."

Her words left no room for argument. The men sat in sullen silence, their frustration

simmering beneath the surface, but Makiko could see it.

"Don't worry, even if you're not working, I'll make sure you're well taken care of.

You'll receive your pay for this month as usual."

Her visit was clearly meant to reassure them.

"Thank you, Makiko."

With a curt nod, Makiko turned on her heel and left the apartment.

...

Josie had taken cover at the spot

where she'd lost sight of Makiko She'd called Luke and his assistant over positioning them at the entrances, ready to spring in

action once Makiko reappeared.

After a little while, Josie spotted Makiko again, slipping back into view.