CHAPTER SIX HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN – ALMOST CAUGHT

Without waiting for a response, Marco pulled her along, weaving through a maze of back alleys and service entrances. Jasmine's mind raced, trying to piece together what had happened. She had been on her way to meet a potential investor when she'd stumbled upon what appeared to be a cartel-related altercation. The realization that she had narrowly avoided being caught in the middle of it sent a chill down her spine. As they emerged onto a busier street, Marco finally slowed his pace. "That was too close," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "You need to be more careful, Jasmine. We can't afford any slip-ups, especially not with Anthony breathing down our necks." Jasmine nodded, still trying to catch her breath. "I know, I know. Thank you for the save. I don't even want to think about what would have happened if—" Marco cut her off with a sharp gesture. "Don't. Just focus on your meeting with Anthony. Remember, we need to keep him distracted while we set our plan in motion."