For a moment, the walkie-talkie was filled with nothing but static. No one spoke.

So Albert wasn't a big shot after all.

For now, their fear wasn't that Ray would turn against them—it was that the last thread of hope in their hearts had snapped.

If Albert had truly been a top military figure, might the state have sent a rescue team? Possibly.

And if they came to rescue Albert, wouldn't they also bring everyone else along?

After all, anyone who could afford—or even gain access to—villas in t