Found Obsession

Chapter 76: Congress and suicidal thoughts

Jonathan's voice was steady but soft, concern laced through his words. "Rose," he said again, gently helping her to the chair, "sit down."

She sank into the seat, her legs feeling like jelly. Her blood had run cold, her hands trembling faintly. She gripped them together tightly, trying to ground herself.

"I know this is a lot," Jonathan continued, his tone calm but firm. "But from here on out, we'll need to put on many shows. Possibly even act like the spoiled rich brats. Like we're clueless."

Rose nodded stiffly, her throat dry. She didn't trust herself to speak. The weight of his words pressed down on her chest, but she forced herself to keep her composure.

"Every question you ask, every movement, every reaction," Jonathan said, "will be watched."

Rose swallowed hard, finally whispering, "I understand."

Jonathan gave her a small nod, satisfied that she was processing, even if just barely. He looked away for a moment, moving back to the chessboard. Quietly, he began placing the pieces back in their starting positions, the clinking of wood the only sound in the room.

He moved a pawn forward and turned his gaze to her. "It's time we make a move," he said, his green eyes sharp.

"We'll grab lunch with them," he continued, his voice lowering into a near whisper. "You'll take five files with you, including Arina's. Pretend to be reviewing them. Discreetly communicate your choice for the third member of the elite group."

Rose took a deep breath, her hands tightening in her lap. "Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Jonathan glanced at his antique pocket watch, pulling it from his uniform with an air of precision. "It's 2 p.m.," he announced.

Rose raised an eyebrow, her surprise evident but contained.

Doing her best to steady her racing thoughts, she carefully selected Arina's file and four others at random, leaving Mark's and Sasha's files for another moment. Patience, she thought to herself.

"I'm ready," she whispered, her voice soft but resolute.

Jonathan gave a curt nod of approval. "Good." He glanced toward her laptop. "Your laptop," he stated.

Rose hesitated, biting her lip as she weighed her options. Taking it with her seemed risky, but leaving it unprotected made her uneasy.

"If you want to leave it, there's a secure compartment in the table," Jonathan offered, his tone calm and steady.

Rose tilted her head curiously as Jonathan leaned down to reveal a hidden panel beneath the table. It was sleek, almost seamless, with a small fingerprint scanner embedded into its surface.

Jonathan demonstrated, pressing his finger against the scanner. The compartment clicked open smoothly. "I'll have your fingerprints added." he said..

Rose stared at him, then back at the compartment. It was a relief, but also a reminder of just how far ahead Jonathan always seemed to be.

She nodded, slipping her laptop into the compartment. As she straightened, she let out a small breath. "Alright," she said.

Rose adjusted her sleeves and shrugged on her coat, grabbing the files as Jonathan retrieved his hat. Together, they exited the room, the door clicking shut behind them.

The soldiers outside saluted crisply. Rose gave a faint nod, still distracted by the lingering thoughts of Jonathan's deductions as they descended the stairs.

Her gaze caught the crew below, their eyes naturally following her and Jonathan. She spotted Lucas moving toward them, his expression unreadable.

"We'll grab lunch. Want to come?" Rose asked casually, her eyes shifting to Raven, who had trailed behind.