“It’s been ages since I’ve been here.


    How about a tour, Remington?”


    Elsa’s voice took on a flirtatious tone as she spoke to Remington.


    Hannah offered a supportive smile towards Remington.


    “Why not show Elsa around? Maloney and I can manage on our own.


    ”


    Caught unprepared by Elsa’s sudden appearance, Remington hesitated.


    He looked at Hannah, contemting.


    Eventually, he looked away, agreeing softly, “Alright.


    ”


    Once they had departed, Hannah’s facade fell away, revealing a steely demeanor.


    Maloney, puzzled by the turn of events, looked at her and said, “That was… interesting, to say the least.


    ”


    Maloney quirked an eyebrow, studying Hannah’s facade of innocence before a knowing grin danced on his lips.


    “You got a message earlier.


    It’s from Bryson, isn’t it? Since we’re allies now, secrets won’t do.


    ”


    Hannah let out a scoff, her wordsced with defiance.


    “I wasn’t hiding it.


    So, how many of the Pierce brigade are gracing us with their presence this time?”


    Maloney’s surprise flickered momentarily at her abrupt shift in conversation.


    “My old man and my two younger brothers.


    ”


    “That’s not what I’m after.


    ” Hannah’s gaze bore into Maloney’s, her tone cutting.


    “I want to know how many of your hired muscle tagged along this time.


    ”


    “Not too many, just a dozen.


    ” Maloney furrowed his brow at Hannah’s puzzling inquiry.


    “Something on your mind?”


    With a shake of her head, Hannah fished out her phone, thrusting the screen towards Maloney.


    “Arm yourself.


    I’ve got a gut feeling that the Lyons family’s hounds might try to spring a trap if we don’t y nice.


    ”


    Maloney’s instinctual rebuttal came swiftly.


    “You really think they’ve got the guts for that? Would they be that foolish?”


    Hannah’s lips curled into a sneer as sheid a patronizing hand on Maloney’s shoulder.


    “You truly underestimated them, didn’t you?


    They’re far more cunning than we ever imagined.


    ”


    Turning on her heel, she cast a nce towards the endless expanse of the forest before pivoting back towards their path.


    “Shouldn’t we forge ahead?” Maloney trailed after her.


    “With Remington out of the picture, there’s no urgency to push forward.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    I’d rather retreat for now and recharge.


    Tomorrow’s race demands a clear head and a rested body,” she reasoned, her gaze involuntarily drifting up to Bryson’s window.


    Observing its emptiness, she quickly averted her eyes, adding, “Tomorrow promises to be eventful.


    ”


    As they strolled side by side, Maloney’s tone carried a hint of nonchnce.


    “What’s there to worry about? With or without the Compton family’s guards, you have Trent and Keith to watch over you.


    Nothing’s going to happen.


    ”


    “Even in their absence, I’m quite capable of fending for myself,”