chapter Ninety-eight

I crept through the dimly lit room, my heart pounding with each step. Zach's smug grin told me he expected this. "You thought you were one step ahead," he chuckled, "but I knew your plan all along." My eyes widened in disbelief. How could he have known? Panic set in as I fumbled through the files, trying to salvage control of the situation. "You can't escape this," I stammered, holding my phone tightly. "I've called the police." His laughter echoed, unnerving in the confined space. "Ah, Catalina, you underestimate me. The signals are jammed; they won't be coming. You're trapped." Dread washed over me, realization sinking in. I had walked right into his trap. The room felt suffocating as I searched for an escape route. In a desperate attempt, I lunged towards the door, but he was quicker, blocking my path with an infuriating smirk. A struggle ensued, a chaotic dance of wills. His grip tightened as I fought to break free. "You always thought you could outsmart me," he hissed. "But you