Chapter 152 Cornish Pastries

The tension in their tiny apartment hung thick enough to slice. John and Marie huddled over takeout boxes, illuminated by the harsh glare of their laptops. John shoved a stray strand of hair out of his eyes, frustration etched on his face. "This is taking forever," he muttered, pushing back from the table. Marie glanced up from her screen, her brow furrowed. "Relax, John. Elena's the best in the business. We just have to trust her." John let out a humorless chuckle. "Trust isn't exactly what I'm feeling right now. Every second that ticks by feels like the consortium's getting closer to unleashing whatever this Project Ouroboros is." "We'll get there," Marie said, her voice firm despite the worry in her eyes. "We have to." Just then, John's phone buzzed. He snatched it up, his heart leaping into his throat. "It's Elena," he said, his voice tight. He answered the call, placing the phone on speaker. A low hiss filled the room, followed by Elena's voice, laced with excitement. "John,