Chapter 354

Carmen had been starving, and the moment Felicia sat down, she pushed the menu toward her eagerly. “I already ordered my favorites, but it’s your turn now. Go wild, and don’t even think about holding back!
Their time spent together had made them close, and Felicia didn’t hesitate. She skimmed the menu and ordered without a second thought.
The waiter came by to collect the menu and poured them both drinks. Soon, the fragrant stew arrived.
As Felicia dug in, her eyes flickered toward the window several times. Carmen was engrossed in devouring the food and didn’t notice a thing.
“This is amazing!” Carmen exclaimed between bites, her mouth slightly red from the spice. She breathed, cooling her tongue, and downed her drink. When she looked up, she noticed Felicia shutting the window.
‘Why close it? Isn’t it hot in here?”
“To keep bugs out,” Felicia replied casually.
Her explanation was reasonable, and Carmen didn’t think twice about it.
The two of them devoured the stew, almost licking the bottom of the pot clean. After Carmen paid the bill, they were about to leave the restaurant when Felicia stopped her.
She handed Carmen two small spheres and explained how to use them.
Carmen examined the tiny balls curiously. “What are these for?”
“They’re for emergencies,” Felicia said seriously. “If you’re ever in danger, use them. But be careful–they’re filled with poison. Don’t use them unless you absolutely have to.”
Carmen’s eyes widened in awe. “You’re amazing, Felicia! You even know how to make stuff like this!!
Felicia smiled faintly, saying nothing.
As they stepped out of the restaurant, Felicia casually mentioned having another errand to run and suggested Carmen head home first.
Carmen agreed readily but hesitated as she opened the cab door. Turning back, she squinted at Felicia suspiciously. “Wait a second. You gave me these poison balls and are now trying to send me off alone. You’re not secretly trying to get rid of me, are you? ”
Felicia laughed, her expression one of amused exasperation. “What are you talking about? I’m heading back to the clinic for a late appointment. Do you want to tag along and see some patients with me?”
Carmen’s face paled at the thought. She shook her head vehemently. “No thanks. I get queasy just thinking about needles! I’ll pass. See you tomorrow!”
“Tomorrow it is. Stay safe.”
After Carmen’s cab drove off, the faint smile on Felicia’s face disappeared.
That nagging sensation of being watched hadn’t gone away. If anything, it had intensified. The precision and subtlety of the surveillance made her certain this wasn’t the doing of Maurice’s men. There were others.
The presence was too sharp, too numerous. It wasn’t just four people trailing her; there were
far more.
She couldn’t risk leading these people to Carmen
Standing still for a moment, Felicia discreetly gauged her surroundings. The feeling of being watched didn’t shift, which meant these people weren’t splitting up to follow Carmen.
Relieved, Felicia took a slow, deep breath and began walking toward the clinic. Her pace was leisurely and unhurried as if she were merely out for a post–meal stroll.
In the shadows, a team of 17 assassins kept her in their sights.
Every nearby surveillance camera had been disabled. Hidden among the darkness, their ordinary, nondescript faces made them invisible to anyone passing by. They were experts in blending in and striking unseen.
The leader spoke in a low voice, his tone curt and commanding, “The client wants this done. fast. No delays. The moment we get an opening, we hit hard and get out immediately.”
“Understood,” the team replied in unison.
One of them sneered, “Seventeen of us for one little girl? Overkill much? This job’s a joke.”
“Shut it!” the leader snapped. “We get paid to do what we’re told. If the client says jump, we ask how high. And don’t forget–she’s got four bodyguards lurking nearby. Stay sharp.”
“Got it,” the others muttered, though a few still seemed unimpressed.