The atmosphere was charged with tension as I stood rooted to the spot, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. The security guard’s smug expression did little to comfort me, and I could feel my anxiety rising as I considered the implications of Adrian’s power and influence. But seeing my father, Daniel Mercer, standing there with a calm demeanor and a steady gaze, infused me with a renewed sense of courage. Here was a man who knew how to navigate the murky waters of danger and deception, a man whose skills might just be what I needed to outmaneuver my husband.
In a swift, almost imperceptible motion, my father gestured for me to stay calm. His presence was a balm, soothing my frayed nerves. I realized then that he hadn’t just come to rescue me; he had a plan, the kind that only someone with years of experience in espionage could concoct on the fly.
“Mrs. Roth, would you mind joining us in the lounge?” the guard continued, oblivious to the silent exchange between my father and me. I nodded, willing myself to play along, while inside I was a tempest of emotions—fear, anger, determination. As we moved towards the lounge, I felt my father’s reassuring presence close behind.
