intrigue by motives

Graham's voice was light and deliberate. "The street monkeys are known as thugs and bad guys. But the truth is, they're more pure than the politicians themselves." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group.

"The reason the police are always after the street monkeys isn't because they've done bad things. Sure, some members do bad things on their own, but when the leader finds out, those people are dealt with. They don't take bribes or stoop to corruption. They're just a group of people who choose a free life."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice lower but firm. "Politicians, on the other hand, try to pay them off to do their dirty work. But when the street monkeys reject their offers and expose them, that's when the politicians turn against them."

"So what's the point now?" June interrupted, their expression skeptical.

Graham paused briefly before continuing. "If you're suspecting they're working for someone, it means they might've taken a bribe. That's something we can use against them." His lips curled into a faint grin.

"We?" Jude asked, eyebrows raised. "I thought you didn't want anyone finding out you're still alive."

"Don't worry about that. Your safety is my responsibility. I can't just sit back and let you all handle this on your own," Graham said firmly. He hesitated for a moment, then his voice cracked slightly before resuming. "I know how to handle them—with experience."

Jude's face lit up with excitement. "Yes!"

"Sophia! Sophia!" Jude called as they hurried outside to fetch her.

"He's finally agreed to help us. We've got a real chance to stop them now—and get our peaceful life back!" Jude said with a grin as Sophia and the others joined them.

They all gathered again, taking their seats. "So, what's the plan? How are we going to deal with this?" June asked in a hushed tone.

"Ah, don't worry about the plan. I'll figure it out," Graham replied confidently. "All I need from you is to stay careful. Make sure they don't have anything to use against you. If you haven't stirred up trouble with them, I can help you out of this mess."

"So… you mean we should just leave now and do nothing?" Tom, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up.

"Yeah," Graham said with a reassuring smile. "Go live your lives. I'll handle it. Once this is over, you can come visit me often, okay? You've all been good friends." He turned to June and added warmly, "Hey, stay out of trouble, alright?"

June nodded silently as Graham looked away again.

"Alright, we should leave then. If he says he'll handle it, we trust him," Zara said, breaking the silence.

"Okay, brother, we'll see you again soon. I'll visit often, I promise," Jude said, smiling as they hugged Graham tightly.

After exchanging goodbyes, the group left.

"Let's head to the farm and check its progress," Sophia said as they walked down the rough road.

Excitement bubbled over as Sophia and the others reached the farm. The land was in excellent condition, its lush soil a testament to their hard work and dedication. The few planted seeds were thriving under the warm sun, their green shoots promising a bright future. All that remained now was to plant more crops and fully capitalize on the fertile ground before them.

Elsewhere, as the shrill ring of a phone echoed in the dimly lit room, Ethan stirred in his sleep. Rolling to his left and then his right, he finally forced his heavy eyelids open, letting out a deep sigh. "Oh, it was just a dream," he muttered groggily, his voice tinged with disappointment as reality sank in.

He stretched out an arm to grab his phone, and a wave of guilt washed over him when Elisabeth's name and several missed calls flashed on the screen.

"Oh no, I promised to have lunch with her," Ethan groaned, feeling the weight of his broken promise. Glancing at the time, his heart sank further. "It's already evening!" He buried his face in his hands, frustration surging through him as he tried to shake off the lingering fatigue.

His eyes caught her message: Message me when you're done. I assume you're busy, right?

His heart skipped a beat. "What could Elisabeth be thinking?" he wondered, heading to the sink to wash his face.

Taking a deep breath, Ethan thought to himself, So this is it. I was so close to finding out what I came here for. I didn't think this mission would be so straightforward. I'll just have to ask Mr. Caldwell about it again when the opportunity arises.

He ran a hand through his hair, composing himself, before picking up his phone. He typed: If you're still around, let's catch up. I fell asleep—sorry. He read it twice before pressing send.

Just as Ethan opened his laptop, muttering, "What can I find today?" the beep of his phone drew his attention.

It was a message from Elisabeth: I'm still around. I've been waiting, hoping you'd come out. Are we still on, or are you busy?

Ethan studied the message carefully, his brow furrowing. "What's her interest?" he murmured to himself. "I hope she's not getting any ideas." He adjusted his collar in front of the mirror, muttering, "This will have to do."

Stepping outside, Ethan spotted Elisabeth waiting in the hallway, her soft pink gown flowing elegantly as it caught the evening light. The subtle shimmer in the fabric gave her an air of effortless grace, as if she were heading to an event far grander than a casual meal.

"Your pink gown looks good," Ethan said from behind, his voice neutral.

Elisabeth turned, her face lighting up with a surprised smile before softening. "I just wanted to look presentable," she replied, briefly catching his serious gaze. "Are you ready?"

"Just a meal, right?" Ethan asked, avoiding eye contact.

"Just a meal," she replied with a playful grin.

As they walked, Elisabeth gently took his hand. The gesture, though warm, stirred unease in Ethan. Her touch brought fleeting memories of Sophia, and he shook the thought away.

As they walked through the building, the workers' gazes followed them, whispers buzzing like flies. "What does Elisabeth want with that poor-looking man?" one worker muttered.

Another snickered. "He probably can't even afford this place. Bet someone's paying for him."

A third voice joined in. "Isn't that the same guy she humiliated yesterday?"

Ethan kept walking, pretending not to notice, while Elisabeth shot a warning glance toward the gossiping staff. They quickly scattered, averting their eyes.

They reached her sleek Porsche, where security quickly opened the doors for them. Ethan slid into the plush back seat, feeling out of place as guilt crept in.

"Goldtast Restaurant," Ethan murmured as the car pulled up to an imposing building, its golden accents glinting in the fading sunlight.

"Have you been here before?" Elisabeth asked with a knowing smile.

"No," Ethan lied, keeping his tone casual.

"Take my hand when we go in. Trust me, the food here is worth it," she said lightly, her laughter filling the car.

Ethan felt the weight of curious stares as they entered the restaurant. Inside, the modern luxury was striking yet understated: clean lines, warm lighting, and a faint scent of roses and spices in the air. Minimalist chandeliers hung overhead, casting soft golden hues across sleek black marble floors.

Waiters, dressed in tailored black uniforms, moved swiftly between tables, each set with immaculate white linens and understated centerpieces. A live pianist played softly in the corner, adding a polished ambiance.

Though their appearances were worlds apart, Elisabeth clung to Ethan's arm as if to shield him from the scrutiny of the well-dressed diners around them.

"What looks good?" Elisabeth asked, sliding the menu toward him with a smile. "You decide for both of us."

"Oh, okay…" Ethan replied, nervously flipping through the menu.

The waiter approached with a calm smile. "Have you decided, sir?"

"Uh… yeah, we'll have this one and this one," Ethan said, pointing to the pictures without looking up.

"Excellent choice. I'll have it prepared right away," the waiter said, bowing slightly before leaving.

Ethan glanced around, trying to act casual but struggling to suppress the memories of his last visit here with Sophia. If Elisabeth finds out, she might wonder how I could afford this place, he thought nervously.

"So… what's your story?" Elisabeth asked, resting her chin on her hand with a curious grin.

"Nothing much," Ethan replied, his voice low. "Just a regular guy working hard to make his dreams come true—with no support."

She burst out laughing, her tone teasing. "You're so modest, Ethan."

Ethan forced a smile but felt a twinge of discomfort. Her laughter seemed to carry a hidden motive. What is she really after? he wondered, glancing around the room.

His gaze suddenly locked onto a familiar face. Paul—an old friend from his days as a cleaner at Caldwell Horizon. Paul had once betrayed him, acting as a spy for James.

Ethan's heart raced. What's Paul doing here? Could this be a setup? He struggled to keep his composure, all the while trying to figure out Elisabeth's true intentions.