CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN – WHO CAN THEY TRUST?

As dawn broke over the horizon, Cassie and Florian huddled in an abandoned warehouse near the docks, their nerves frayed from the night's events. The sound of approaching footsteps put them on high alert. "Who's there?" Florian called out, his body tensed for another fight. A familiar gruff voice responded, "It's me, kid. Leo." Cassie and Florian exchanged wary glances as Leo emerged from the shadows, flanked by two burly men. "Thank God you're here," Cassie said, relief evident in her voice. "We thought-" Her words died in her throat as she noticed the cold glint in Leo's eyes. Something was wrong. Leo's lips curled into a humorless smile. "Sorry, sweetheart. Business is business." In an instant, Leo's men had their guns trained on Cassie and Florian. The betrayal hit like a physical blow. "Why, Leo?" Florian growled, his body instinctively shielding Cassie. "We trusted you." Leo shrugged, lighting a cigarette. "Karl made a better offer. Nothing personal, kid. You understand.