Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 09:

Great! Let's pick up where we left off.

The storm had finally died down, and the group sat in quiet contemplation after Freen's emotional confession. The weight of Mike's threat hung over them, but for a brief moment, they found solace in each other's company.

Becky, still sitting close to Freen, felt her heart swell with empathy. She had seen glimpses of the pain he carried, but hearing his story confirmed just how deeply his scars ran. She gently squeezed his hand, offering silent support as the room fell into a comfortable silence.

Freen glanced at her, his usual guarded expression softening. "Thanks," he muttered under his breath. It wasn't much, but for Freen, it was a monumental step toward letting someone in.

Before anyone could say more, Noey broke the silence with his usual teasing grin. "So, what now? Do we just forget about Mike and play house?" His playful tone cut through the heaviness in the air, earning him a few chuckles from Kade and Nam.

Becky laughed softly, but then her expression turned thoughtful. "I don't know much about any of this," she said, glancing around at the group. "But one thing's for sure—we can't let Mike get to Freen's business. We need to come up with a plan, right?"

Nam nodded, her serious side emerging. "Becky's right. Mike's not just going to back off. He wants control, and he'll do whatever it takes to get it."

Kade leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "We've dealt with scum like him before, but this is personal. Freen, he's not just after the business, is he? He wants to destroy everything your family built."

Freen nodded grimly. "He's obsessed with power, and my family's business is the last thing standing in his way. But it's not just about the company anymore. It's about revenge."

Becky's eyes widened at the word "revenge." She could feel the intensity in the room grow, the realization that they were up against something much bigger than just a business rival.

"I can't let him win," Freen continued, his voice low but resolute. "I won't let him take away what's left of my family's legacy."

Becky's heart clenched at the determination in Freen's voice. She admired his strength, but she also saw the pain beneath it all. And while she had only known him for a short time, she already knew she would stand by his side no matter what.

"Then we fight back," Noey said, his tone turning serious. "We can't just wait for Mike to make his move. We need to be ready."

Nam stood up, pacing a little as she spoke. "We'll need to gather information, find out what Mike's planning. We can't afford to be caught off guard again."

Becky, feeling a little out of her depth but determined to help, looked at the group. "Is there anything I can do?"

Freen's gaze softened as he looked at her, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You've already done more than you know, BecBec," he said, using the nickname without realizing it.

Becky blushed slightly at the name, her heart skipping a beat. "Still, I want to help. I can't just sit around while all of you are fighting for your lives."

"You're in this with us now," Heng chimed in, his usually quiet demeanor more animated. "We don't leave anyone behind."

A sense of belonging washed over Becky as the others nodded in agreement. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she had found a family—a group of people who would stand by her, just as she would for them.

Freen, catching her thoughtful expression, leaned in slightly. "You're part of this now, Becky. And we'll protect you, just like you've been protecting us."