Felix's Punishment

Andrew arrived at Silver's café, spotting Tom and Hart engaged in a heated conversation. He slid into an empty seat beside the window, catching Tom's attention.

"You're finally here," Tom said, his voice laced with a mix of relief and concern.

Andrew began to share his harrowing experience: "My father's gone, and I found the same paper at the scene. Then, I received a message from $LÅZENGER, demanding ransom for my family's safe return. But it was a trap – they took the money and left me battered."

Hart's expression turned stern. "You should have informed us before taking matters into your own hands."

"I tried to reach out, but my contacts were mysteriously unreachable."

Andrew's curiosity was piqued. "What do we do now?"

Tom's eyes locked onto his. "We found an address on one of the papers – The Carlton Gardens. Their hideout is allegedly underground. We're planning to investigate tonight at 10 PM."

Andrew's mind began racing with possibilities. "alright, I'll meet you there."

As Andrew prepared to leave, Tom's voice carried a hint of suspicion. "Bear in mind, I still think you might be the mastermind behind this."

Andrew let out a measured sigh. "I'll take my leave now." With that, he exited the café, his thoughts swirling with questions and concerns.

*****

The door swung open, and Steward's voice boomed through the hallway, "Sound the alarm, Mr. Thomas has arrived!" The staff of LÅZENGER snapped to attention, their heads bowed in unison as their commander strode into the building.

Thomas's eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on each face before settling on a young man with dark brown hair and piercing sea-blue eyes. "Felix!" he barked, his voice echoing through the office.

Felix sprinted into Thomas's office, his heart racing. "Yes, sir? You sent for me?" he stammered, his eyes wide with trepidation.

Thomas's expression was unforgiving. "How could you make such a egregious mistake? You're going to pay dearly for this!" Felix crumpled to his knees, his voice shaking as he begged for mercy. However, Thomas's heart remained unmoved.

"Steward!" Thomas's voice rang out, summoning his loyal assistant. Steward materialized in the doorway, his face a mask of obedience. "Yes, sir?"

"Lock him up. The master will deal with him personally." Felix's eyes went wide as he scrambled to Thomas's feet, his voice hoarse from pleading. He had heard the horror stories about their company's ruthless owner, but he had never imagined facing him.

As Steward dragged Felix away, Thomas issued his next command, "Tell everyone to start packing. We're moving out before ten tonight. If we're not, we're all finished." Steward nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "Okay, sir. I'll see to it."

With Felix gone, Thomas's gaze lingered on the door, his eyes burning with an unnerving intensity. What secrets lay hidden behind his cold exterior? And what fate awaited Felix at the hands of their mysterious master?

*****

Kenzie approached Mia, interrupting her conversation with Hazel.

"Mia, can I talk to you for a minute?" Mia looked puzzled but agreed. Kenzie started walking, expecting Mia to follow. However, Mia remained seated.

"You're supposed to follow me," Kenzie said, slightly annoyed.

Mia feigned surprise. "Oh, I didn't know that. You can say what you need to here."

Kenzie's expression turned stern. "No, this is private."

Mia excused herself from Hazel and followed Kenzie out of the classroom.

Once they were alone, Kenzie demanded, "What's going on between you and Jack?"

Mia burst out laughing. "Excuse me?"

Kenzie's face twisted in disgust. "It's not funny. What's going on between you and Jack?"

Mia's amusement faded, replaced by annoyance. "Nothing's going on between Jack and me, okay?"

Kenzie's eyes narrowed. "He talks about you whenever I'm with him. Why is that?"

Mia shrugged. "How would I know? Maybe ask him yourself."

Kenzie's voice took on a warning tone. "I'll believe you this once, but stay away from my boyfriend. I don't want you stealing him, just like you stole the class rep position from me."

Mia's eyes flashed with defensiveness, but she bit back a retort, choosing instead to maintain a calm demeanor, and accepted Kenzie's demand then returned to the classroom. Hazel inquired about the exchange, and Mia shared the details.

Hazel scoffed, "They're always after her boyfriend. Forget her."

"So, what about Jaden? Does he know how you feel?" Mia asked,

Hazel's expression turned thoughtful. "No, he doesn't. And it's not obvious."

Mia offered advice, "You should be careful. Jaden won't be interested in you."

Hazel's curiosity was piqued. "Why do you say that?"

Mia's reminder was gentle, "He has a girlfriend, remember?"

Hazel's eyes widened slightly, "Oh, yeah. I completely forgot."

Just then, Shawn interrupted their conversation, requesting to speak with Mia. Mia was surprised, given their limited interactions since their initial conversation at Jaden's house.

"Please excuse me, Hazel. I'll be back in a jiffy," Mia said, following Shawn to the school veranda.

Shawn initiated a conversation with Mia, starting with an apology for their previous encounter.

Mia brushed off the apology, but Shawn insisted on expressing his regret. As they chatted, Mia sensed that Shawn had more on his mind.

"You're sure that's all?" Mia asked, her intuition suggesting otherwise.

Shawn hesitated before confirming, "Yes, that's all."

Mia pressed him further, pointing out that he hadn't looked at her during their conversation. Shawn met her gaze and reiterated, "I'm sure, Mia. That's all."

Seemingly satisfied, Mia took her leave. As she walked away, Shawn watched her, his expression unreadable.

Just then, Jack approached Shawn, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Tsk tsk tsk, you messed up, Shawn."

Shawn pushed Jack's hand away, his annoyance evident. "What's your problem, Jack? If you're interested in her, go for it. Why bother me?"

Jack's smirk suggested he was amused by Shawn's reaction. "Oh, really? I should go for her, huh?"

Shawn's response was curt. "Do whatever you want, Jack."

As Shawn walked away, Jack called out, "Thanks for the advice, Shawn! I'll do just that!"