Chapter 89

Noah emerged from the mysterious building, his eyes scanning the surrounding area with a hint of caution. He glanced to the right, then to the left, his gaze lingering on the shadows cast by the flickering streetlights. Satisfied that he was alone, he strode purposefully towards his car, his long strides eating up the distance.

Just as he reached for the door handle, his phone shrilled to life, piercing the night air. He hesitated for a moment before answering, his voice low and guarded. "Yeah?"

"Noah, where are you?" Hazel's voice was laced with concern, her tone gentle but insistent.

Noah's eyes darted around the deserted street, his mind racing with excuses. 

"At the office," he replied finally, his voice measured. 

"I've got a ton of work to do."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Noah wondered if Hazel had seen through his lie. But then her voice came again, soft and soothing.

 "Oh, I hope it's not