Betray Or Die

Mia's hands trembled at her sides as David's cold gaze locked onto her. The office felt suffocating, the walls pressing in with every breath she took.

David stepped closer, slow and deliberate, as if savoring the fear radiating from her.

"Mia," his voice was soft but sharp, cutting through the silence like a blade. "I don't like being lied to."

Mia swallowed hard, forcing herself to hold his gaze. "I'm not lying, Doctor. James… he killed Ethan."

David's smile faded completely, his eyes narrowing. "And you expect me to believe that an old man—someone who's supposedly been in hiding for years—took down Ethan, one of our B-rank elites?"

Mia shifted uncomfortably but said nothing.

David leaned closer, his face mere inches from hers. "I know you're protecting someone."

Her heart pounded painfully in her chest.

Vardan…

"Here's the thing," David continued, his tone dropping lower. "I can overlook a lot. But betrayal?" His eyes darkened. "That's unforgivable."

Mia's breath hitched.

David straightened, turning his back to her as he gazed out of the office window.

"But…" he said, folding his hands behind him, "I'm a reasonable man. I'll give you a choice."

Mia's pulse quickened as he glanced over his shoulder.

"Call him," David ordered, his eyes glinting. "Bring this 'James'—or whoever you're protecting—here. To the center of the hospital. Five PM."

Mia's fingers curled into fists at her sides.

"And if I don't?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

David's smile returned, but it was cold and devoid of warmth. "Then you die right here. Simple as that."

The weight of his words crushed down on her, suffocating and inescapable.

David turned fully to face her now, watching every flicker of hesitation in her expression.

"I'll be expecting him," David said calmly, as if discussing the weather. "If he doesn't show up… well, I suppose I'll have to make an example out of you."

Mia stood frozen, unable to speak.

"Go," David said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand. "Think it over. But not for too long."

Mia nodded stiffly, forcing her legs to move toward the door.

As she stepped out into the hallway, her breaths came in shallow gasps.

Her mind raced.

I can't betray Vardan.

But David's threat loomed over her, his presence lingering even after she left his office.

As she hurried down the corridor, she fumbled for her phone, her fingers shaking.

She needed to warn Vardan.