Chapter 1294

She shrugged off her coat and sweater, quickly swapping them for her tactical vest.

Feeling someone's eyes on her, Finley glanced over and met Livia's gaze.

The surprise on his face was obvious, but it didn't last long-worry took over almost instantly.

His long legs made quick work of the distance between them. In no time, he was right in front of her.

"What are you doing here?" Finley asked, his voice tight with urgency.

"If you can be here, why can't I?" Livia shot back, her tone cold.

"This place is too dangerous. We just found a bomb, and I have to go with the team to disarm it. You need to leave, Livia. This isn't a place for you." Finley reached for her arm, trying to pull her away.

Livia yanked herself free. "Finley, you take care of your bomb, I'll deal with my own business. Don't worry about me—I'm not planning to worry about you either."

Finley could tell she wasn't going to listen, but he couldn't walk away just yet. Since when had she gotten so stubborn?

"Fine. Watch if you want, but promise me you'll stay back. It's too dangerous up close."

Livia didn't respond.

Finley wanted to say more, but someone inside called his name.

"I'm coming!" he shouted, torn but forced to leave.

Livia stepped further into the courtyard. She saw Oliver talking to Darren.

When he noticed her, Oliver said to Darren, "Go take care of it. We'll talk later." Darren walked off.

Oliver frowned, clearly not happy to see her. "Why are you here? Does Josie know you came? This place is dangerous—go back, Livia."

"Oliver, maybe you don't know, but I'm actually a bomb disposal expert. Josie told me about the device, so came to check it out. I'm not here for fun I'm here to make sure everyone stays safe."

Livia knew Josefina was worried sick about Oliver. If she hadn't come, Josefina wouldn't have been able to sleep at all. Josefina didn't have to say it-Livia just understood.

Oliver looked taken aback. Apparently, Josie's friends all had their surprises- nobody was ordinary in this group.

“I'm going in to see what's going on. Don't worry, I won't do anything reckless." Livia said, heading inside.

But it didn't take long for word to get out about what was happening on Oliver's side.

When Makiko heard the news, the wine glass in her hand slipped and shattered on the floor.

She'd been enjoying her wine, feeling pretty good about the evening. That phone call changed everything—her mind went blank, and even the wine lost its taste.

Makiko stood up, her anger and disbelief turning her movements sharp and tense— so unlike her usual calm.

Cole noticed right away. He frowned, sensing trouble. "What's going on? Can't we get a single night's peace?"

Makiko's voice was icy. "How could they have gotten caught? Mark's team is always careful. If he's exposed, there's no telling what else they'll uncover."

On the other end, Victoria's voice came through. “Sis, I know this is a mess. I didn't expect anything like this-Mark never slips up."

"He never did—until now? What, did someone bribe him? Did he sell you out?"

Victoria sounded terrified. “No,

never! We'd never betray you.

Besides, I'm the only one who knows

who you really are. Mark has not

clue. I take care of it, I promise.

You won't have to worry about a

thing. But whatever we buried in the

yard-it's probably lost now."

Makiko let out a harsh breath. "Spread the word. Pull everyone out, fast. Forget

about the stuff-leave it behind!"