Found Obsession

Chapter 134: Betrayal III

"Salute," Maximilian demanded.

Rose watched as everyone, whether out of concern, guilt, or amusement, reluctantly raised their hands and saluted her.

"You can all leave," Maximilian said curtly, dismissing the room.

Then he turned to Rose. "Miss Hansley, shall I accompany you to your tent to rest?" he asked, his tone polite but firm.

"No, I've got a little work to finish," Rose replied flatly, not even looking up from her laptop.

He nodded and stepped back, his posture straight, clearly waiting for any further instructions from her.

With the spear and lampstand weighing of their connection, Rose knew her father had felt them. When he'd said, "Bring everything to negotiate," he had meant everything—no secrets left between them.

This was going to take hours—eight if she was fast.

Rose glanced briefly at the general standing stiff and alert, awaiting any command, and then at Frank, Mira, Percy, and her remaining soldiers. They had refused to rest or even shower and stood guarding her like an impenetrable wall. Their loyalty was unwavering, their resolve unshaken or that is what she thought, right now she had trust issues.

She ignored them all, turned back to her screen, and began typing. The lines of numbers and letters blurred together as she lost herself in her work. Her genius mind was in overdrive, desperately clinging to the distraction. Anything to avoid thinking about her father's words and the raw betrayal that had torn through her soul.

Hours passed.

Then, suddenly, a shout broke through her focus.

"Let me through, now!" came a voice she immediately recognized.

Jonathan Adler.

Someone woke up in a bad mood.

November 22, 2006. 2:00 a.m.

"Miss Hansley," Maximilian's voice interjected. "Is he allowed in?"

Rose didn't even look up. "I don't really care," she said flatly, continuing to type.

She heard the footsteps, louder and more insistent, and the shuffle of Jonathan trying to push past. His voice was a mix of relief and urgency. "Rose."

But she didn't look up.

"Rose," he tried again, but Percy stepped in, his towering presence a shield in front of Jonathan. Rose flicked her eyes upward just briefly—Percy's deadly glare was locked on Jonathan, his rage radiating like a storm. It was enough to make Jonathan take a cautious step back.

Behind Jonathan stood Gavin, Elijah, Teresa, Riley, Lucas, and Levi. Rose could feel Elijah's disguised gaze piercing through her, watching her every move. But she didn't let it faze her; she kept her attention fixed on the screen.

"Rose..." Jonathan tried again, and she heard something crack on the edge of his voice—desperation.

She continued typing.

She knew Wyatt had done his part in delivering the photograph and the list. Gavin had followed through by giving Jonathan the ring and the blank letter. That was all the communication she needed.

As she worked, a faint growl interrupted her thoughts. Her eyes flicked upward briefly, realizing it came from one of her soldiers' stomachs.

The general, always observant, caught her glance. His amused eyes met hers, then flickered to her team standing silently behind her.

"Percy, what should I arrange for food?" the general asked with faux politeness.

"Rose?" Percy said turning to her.