Creak—


    The door swung open, and Hannah emerged.


    “Are they gone?”


    “Yeah,e on over and take a seat.


    ” Bryson guided her back to the table and settled in himself.


    Kohen’s gaze held a hint of curiosity as he studied Hannah.


    “Bry seems pretty protective of you.


    Is there more to your rtionship?”


    Bryson shot him a sharp look.


    “Are you prying now?”


    “Oh, Bry’s getting defensive.


    ”


    Kohen raised his hands innocently, turning to Hannah.


    “I’m sorry if I overstepped.


    Didn’t mean to intrude.


    ”


    Hannah waved it off graciously.


    “No worries.


    We’re all friends here.


    I don’t mind.


    ”


    “Hey, Bry! Your girlfriend’s quite friendly.


    Quit acting so tough.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ”


    After exchanging a nce with Kohen, Bryson turned to Hannah.


    “So, what brings you here tonight?”


    “I’ve been itching to explore.


    I heard Jade Paradise in Caditown was worth checking out, so here I am.


    ”


    “Really?” Bryson arched an eyebrow.


    “So there’s something going on, and you’re keeping me out of the Loop?”


    Hannah cast a yful nce at Bryson, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes.


    “Have you been keeping secrets from me?”


    Their eyes locked in a silent exchange, a flicker of electricity passing between them, momentarily quieting Kohen’s restless presence.


    Observing the dynamic between them, he couldn’t help but specte.


    Initially presuming Bryson and Hannah were romantically involved, the palpable tension suggested a more intricate narrative.


    Bryson yielded to Hannah’s probing gaze, a helpless gesture as he rubbed his forehead.


    “What brings you here?”


    “I heard some members of the organization were stationed here, so I decided to pay them a visit.


    ”


    Bryson wasn’t buying it.


    “Did you really need two guys downstairs to create a diversion while you snuck up to the second floor?”


    “I’m a naturally curious person,” Hannah replied nonchntly, though Bryson doubted she’d unveil any truths tonight.


    Reluctant to press her further, he nced downstairs, observing the vignt guards patrolling the booths below.


    “They’re keeping watch.


    You’ve made it upstairs, but leaving may prove tricky.


    ”


    Hannah followed his gaze, observing the diligent guards under the subdued Lighting.


    Four of them stationed near the stair entrance added an extrayer of security.