Chapter 409

Eleanor's determination burned strong. She had come this far; leaving empty-handed was not an option. Her gaze shifted to a vase on the desk—a striking piece with mysterious patterns she had never seen before. Could the vase hold more than it seemed? Perhaps it was the key she sought. Slowly, Eleanor approached, her movements deliberate and precise. Her fingers hovered over the vase, ready to uncover its secrets when— Thud. Thud. Thud. Footsteps. Heavy and measured. Eleanor’s pulse quickened as she realized someone was approaching. These steps weren’t like those of the man in black she had encountered earlier. They carried authority, purpose, and weight. Her instincts screamed a single warning: Green Beret. Eleanor’s hand recoiled from the vase, and she pivoted swiftly to face the room. She adjusted her posture, slipping seamlessly back into her role as a supposed Jared Group staff member. Her disguise had fooled one adversary—could it deceive Green Beret? The footsteps stopped. A voic