Chapter 48

Masika's heart skipped a beat as she saw the warning in Sophia's eyes. She knew that Sophia was planning something, but she didn't know what.

Jake, oblivious to the warning, took the gun from Sophia and handed it to one of his team members. "Take her away," he said, nodding towards Sophia.

As Sophia was dragged away, Masika felt a sense of relief wash over her. But it was short-lived, as she saw Sophia's eyes flicker towards her once again.

This time, Masika saw something that made her blood run cold. A small, almost imperceptible nod, directed at someone behind Masika.

Masika's heart racing, she turned to see who Sophia had nodded at. And that's when she saw him, standing in the shadows, a sly smile spreading across his face.

Hoon's rival's, Timothy.

Masika's eyes locked onto Timoth's, and she could see the malice in his gaze. She knew that Timothy was a ruthless opponent, and that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

Jake, sensing Masika's tension, turned to follow her gaze. His eyes narrowed as he saw Viktor standing in the shadows.

"Timothy," Jake growled, his hand on his gun. "What are you doing here?"

Timoth smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm just here to observe," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Although, I must say, I'm a little disappointed. I was expecting more of a challenge."

Masika's eyes flashed with anger, but Jake's hand on her arm restrained her. "Don't rise to the bait," he whispered.

But Masika was beyond reason. She was furious that Timothy was here, and that he was gloating about it.

With a sudden burst of speed, Masika launched herself at Timothy, her fists flying. Timothy laughed, easily dodging her blows, but Masika was relentless.

Jake tried to intervene, but Masika was too fast. She was a whirlwind of fury, determined to take down Timothy.

But as she landed a particularly solid punch, Timothy's smile faltered. For a moment, Masika saw something in his eyes that gave her,

Fear.

Timothy's eyes flashed with anger, but Masika could see the fear lurking beneath. She pressed her advantage, landing another solid punch.

But just as she was about to deliver the final blow, Jake grabbed her from behind, holding her in a tight grip.

"Masika, stop!" he shouted, his voice firm.

Masika struggled against Jake's grip, but he held her firm. Timothy, meanwhile, was backing away, his eyes fixed on Masika with a mixture of fear and respect.

"You're a formidable opponent," Timothy said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But you're not going to win this fight."

With that, Timothy turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Masika and Jake staring after him.

"What just happened?" Masika demanded, turning to Jake.

Jake's expression was grim. "Timothy's not just any ordinary opponent," he said. "He's got skills and resources that make him a formidable foe."

Masika's eyes narrowed. "I don't care about his skills or resources," she said. "I'm going to take him down."

Jake's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, Masika saw a glimmer of uncertainty. But then, his expression firmed.

"Masika, you're not going to take Timothy down alone," he said. "You're going to need help."

Masika raised an eyebrow. "What kind of help?" she asked.

Jake's smile was grim. "The kind that's going to put you in even greater danger."