"Leave the rest to me and Erina," Silvia said, her voice sharp with authority. "Kail, join us when the Professor is secure. Let's move!"
The Grand Casino
In the elevator, Eden was visibly shaking. Kail leaned against the wall, checking his sidearm one last time.
"We're going into the main hall," Kail said. "Kristel will be there. We enter as friends, remember?"
"I know!" Eden snapped, adjusting his collar. "I still can't believe I agreed to play the bait."
"You're doing this for Erina," Kail reminded him with a grim smile. "Just remember to smile when you see her. Make it look real."
Main Hall
As they stepped onto the floor, Silvia and Kail (as Stella and Kairen) were already positioned.
"Kairen! Over here!" Silvia called out, waving them over.
"Hello, Ms. Kristel," Kail said, nodding to the girl beside her.
Kristel's eyes widened. "Hello, Mr. Kairen... wait. Eden? Is that you?"
"Hello, Kristel," Eden said, forcing the most convincing smile he had.
"You two know each other?" Silvia asked, feigning surprise.
"Yes," Eden lied smoothly. "My older brother is friends with her."
"Small world!" Kail laughed. "Well, since you haven't seen each other in a while, we should give you two some time to catch up, right Stella?"
"You're right, darling," Silvia chirped.
"But... who is he to you?" Kristel asked, looking at Eden suspiciously.
"He's... the son of my mom's cousin's friend... in short, a relative! Haha!" Silvia blurted out.
Kail grabbed Silvia's arm. "Stella, let them talk. We have our own games to play. Bye guys!"
As they walked away, Kail leaned in. "The son of your mom's cousin's friend? What kind of cover story was that?"
"Look, I didn't even understand what I said," Silvia whispered. "But she's obsessed with Eden, she didn't even care. Now, move! Find Chris, distract him. I'm going for the basement. Did you give Eden his earpiece?"
"Yeah. He's live."
Through the earpiece, they heard Eden and Kristel talking.
"It's surprising to see you here, Kristel," Eden said.
"This place belongs to my brother," she replied proudly. "The whole building is his."
"Wow. Is there more to it than just the casino?"
"Of course. Bars on the first and second, guest rooms on the fourth. And then there's the fifth floor..."
Kail froze in the hallway. "Fifth floor?"
"I thought there were only four," Eden probed.
"I don't even know where the fifth is," Kristel admitted. "My brother says it's off-limits. Why are you asking all this, Eden?"
"I just... I think your brother is brilliant. I wanted to see how a successful man runs things. I've always noticed how hard you work at the University to be the best..." Eden paused, adding a fake, soulful look. "I noticed you a long time ago, but I never found the right moment to approach you."
In Eden's mind: I'm so sorry, Erina! They're making me do this!
"Really?!" Kristel gasped, her defenses melting instantly.
"Good job, Eden," Kail whispered. "The fifth floor... if it's not on the roof, it's underground. Most buildings don't count the basement levels. Erina, stay behind me."
They reached a service door guarded by two men. Erina stepped out before Kail could stop her.
"Excuse me?" she said, looking lost and tearful. "I'm so sorry, I can't find the exit. Can you help me?"
The guards shared a look. "How did you get back here, Miss? Come with us, we'll escort you out."
As they turned, Kail moved like a blur, striking both men in the neck. They crumpled silently.
"That was smart, Erina, but don't ever do that again!" Kail hissed.
They sprinted down a long, sterile corridor. They hid behind a corner as two men passed by.
"He's so arrogant," one man grumbled. "Refusing to eat."
"Maybe we should let him starve for a bit," the other laughed.
"That's him," Kail whispered.
They reached the end of the hall. Three heavy metal doors. "Central one," Kail decided.
They burst inside. It was a grim chamber filled with tactical equipment and iron cages.
"Father!" Erina cried out.
"Erina?! What are you doing here?" Professor Philip stood up, gripping the bars of his cage.
"We're getting you out," Kail said, looking for the lock.
"Don't waste time on the lock," the Professor said calmly. "The keys are on the wall to the left."
Kail grabbed them, swung the door open, and pulled the Professor out. "We have to move. Now!"
As they retreated, a guard spotted them. "Hey! Who are you—"
Kail didn't even slow down. "We're the angels sent to put you to sleep," he said, knocking the man out with a single punch.
While the rescue was happening, Silvia was playing a dangerous game with Chris. She had "accidentally" tripped a waiter, soaking her dress in alcohol to force Chris to escort her to the fourth floor.
"You're very persistent, Stella," Chris said as they walked toward the guest rooms. "You even forced me to have a drink with you."
"Are you uncomfortable with me, Chris?" Silvia asked, tilting her head.
"Not at all. In fact, I think you like me a little too much." He stepped closer. "Every girl wants a man of my standards, don't they?"
In Silvia's mind: Like you? My ass. I'd love to smear your handsome face across the floor, but I need you right here.
"What girl wouldn't?" she lied, giving him a brilliant, fake smile.
Chris's phone buzzed. He frowned and answered. "Yes? WHAT?! How is that possible?!"
Silvia saw his face pale. Finally. They got him out.
"Something happened?" she asked innocently.
"I have to go," Chris snapped, turning on his heel.
"Then I'll leave too," Silvia said, her voice dropping its playful tone. "Goodbye, Chris."
Outside, Kail was ushering the Professor into a military transport.
"Take him to the base! Move!"
"Erina, aren't you coming?" the Professor asked.
"No, Father. I have to finish this."
Kail checked his watch. Eden was out, but Silvia wasn't responding to her comms. "Sam, do you have Silvia's GPS?"
"She's in the building, Sir," Sam's voice crackled. "Top floor. We're losing the signal!"
"I'm going back in!" Kail roared.
He sprinted back into the casino, taking the stairs three at a time. He reached the top floor, his heart hammering. Every door was locked except the last one at the end of the hall.
He kicked it open, his gun raised.
"Silvia!"