Chapter 327. So Close

ASHER

[Flashback]

“Do we have a deal?” Raoul broke the heavy silence, his voice firm but clearly testing the waters. He extended his hand toward the stalker, a calculated move. Perhaps Raoul figured that, since the stalker had chosen to stay silent, this gesture would be the only way to gauge his agreement.

I shifted my focus to the stalker’s face—or more specifically, to his eyes. They locked onto Raoul’s hand, lingering there for several seconds. He seemed to deliberate, perhaps weighing his options, but just as I began to speculate on his decision, my breath caught. His gaze snapped up, and our eyes met.

My stomach dropped. I froze for a split second, paralyzed by the intensity of his stare, before panic kicked in. I quickly averted my gaze, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst. Without thinking, I bolted from my hiding spot, the rush of adrenaline making my movements fast and erratic.

I ran as if my life depended on it, the thud