She secretly checked her wristwatch, and her heart skipped when she saw the time.

It was ten minutes past eleven.

In the message, she was supposed to be at the location by 11am.

She dropped the fork.

“What?” Johny asked, his gaze unwavering.

Ariel stood up. “I’m done eating,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of defiance.

“You barely touched your food…”

“I’m good, Johnny,” she stated firmly and threw her arms up dramatically. “And there’re no cameras here, so stop with the acting now — it doesn’t suit you.”

Johny rose, making Ariel’s heart jump.

What now? Her mind reeled.

Then he started moving closer — step by...