CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE – TRAINING FOR THE MISSION

As he walked away, Laura couldn't help but feel a mix of disappointment and relief. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. There was no time for distractions. She had a job to do. The next morning, the team gathered for another training session. This time, they were focusing on stealth and infiltration techniques. Victor, it turned out, had a background in espionage and was leading the exercise. "The key," Victor explained, his voice low and measured, "is to move with purpose. Hesitation draws attention. Act like you belong, and others will assume you do." Laura watched as Xander demonstrated, his large frame moving with surprising grace through a makeshift obstacle course. When it was her turn, she took a deep breath and began. She was halfway through when she stumbled, knocking over a stack of boxes. The crash echoed through the warehouse. Kairi snickered. "So much for stealth." Laura felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She started to apologize, but Victor held