CHAPTER SEVENTY THREE - HARDY’S RESIDENCE

The familiar glass and steel facade of Hardy Enterprises loomed large before Karina. It felt like a lifetime ago that she'd nervously walked through these doors for her first interview. Now, her return was shrouded in a sense of desperate urgency. Finding John, the John she knew beneath the monstrous exterior, was paramount. Stepping into the opulent lobby, a wave of cool air washed over her. The receptionist, a woman named Kimberly whom Karina had always found friendly, glanced up with a surprised smile. "Karina! What a surprise. Didn't expect to see you today." Karina offered a weak smile in return. "Hi Kimberly. Actually, I was hoping to see Mr. Hardy. Is he available?" Kimberly's smile faltered slightly. "Mr. Hardy is…unavailable for the rest of the day. He's out of the office on urgent business." Karina's heart sank. "Oh. Is there any idea when he might be back?" "I'm afraid not," Kimberly replied apologetically. "He left things a bit vague." Karina thanked Kimberly and r