Chapter 706:
The tension between Gordon and Amya had been palpable as they watched her every move on the surveillance feed. After Allison cut off the earpiece’s power, they had been glued to the monitor. They had watched her pour coffee over herself, adjust the pipes, and even cut her skin, their brows furrowing in unspoken empathy, as if they could feel her struggle.
Allison remained unfazed. “But I made it out, didn’t I?”
“Consider it a temporary escape,” Gordon replied, his frown still evident. “I have a gut feeling that guy hasn’t given up on suspecting you. He’ll definitely keep an eye on you.”
“Yeah, no doubt,” Allison said, her voice steady. “But as long as I stay under the radar for now, his doubts will eventually fade.”noveldrama
After tidying up and tending to her wound, Allison made her way back to the second basement level. But when she reached her workstation, it was gone — nothing remained, not even the desk.
“Where’s my desk?” she asked one of the nearby researchers, confusion creeping into her voice.
The commotion on the first basement level hadn’t reached the second, and the researchers went about their business with their usual detached indifference.
“It’s with Mr. Shaw,” one researcher said, pointing toward Verruckt’s office as he continued his work. “You must be in his good graces,” the researcher added without looking up.
Allison stood frozen for a moment, her thoughts racing, then followed his gesture. Her workstation had been moved entirely into Verruckt’s office. What had once been separated by a glass wall was now an open space, placing her directly in Verruckt’s line of sight. Taking a deep breath, Allison knocked on Verruckt’s office door.
“Mr. Shaw, why is my desk here?” she asked.
“You’ll be working here from now on,” Verruckt said, his tone impassive. “Since you broke the microwave, you’ll need to make amends. A cleaner’s wage won’t cut it, so you’ll be in charge of organizing the documents.”
“Understood,” Allison said with a nod.
Her gaze fell on the mound of papers that cluttered her new desk.
Jareth, standing nearby with an almost knowing smile, added, “Better show some gratitude. A job like this is one many would kill for. And don’t worry, the files are numbered. Just sort them in order.”
“Thanks, Mr. Shaw!” Allison responded with a grin, her expression almost too sincere. Her eyes, however, scanned the files in front of her.
The contents were outdated, trivial, or discarded paperwork. It wasn’t work — more like a carefully disguised task to keep her occupied.
It was clear: this wasn’t a promotion. It was a watchful eye, and she was the one being watched.
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