I stood there, staring at Atlas, my heart sinking with every word he spoke. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks—he had used me, manipulated me for his own gain. The betrayal stung deeply, and I felt a wave of devastation wash over me.

"Was this why you made me your friend? I think you hired me rather to do this," I said, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow.

Atlas's expression hardened, revealing his true intentions. "Yes, and you better not relate anything we've shared to anyone," he warned, his tone cold and unyielding.

As he left the room, I felt utterly alone. The...