Sophia moved cautiously up the staircase, placing each foot with deliberate care to avoid making the slightest sound. 

The situation felt almost like a covert operation to infiltrate a dangerous criminal syndicate, pistol at the ready. 

If she had been holding a real weapon, she might have felt like a fearless operative, with her strong companion following close behind. 

It resembled an exciting scene from a film, yet at the same time, tension gripped her tightly. The last thing she wanted was to be discovered.

A muffled laugh rang out in the hallway, causing her head to whip around toward Julian, who stood beside her.

“Julian, keep your voice down,”...