Chapter 15: Caught in the Shadows

Day 7 Deadline day: Later that morning, Abeni sat on her bed, her heart still racing from the events of the previous night. Today was the deadline day and she didn't know what to do. She barely registered the knock on her apartment door,, fear coursed through her. Maybe it was Dmitry here to collect his money. When she finally went to open it, she found an elderly woman standing outside. The old woman didn't say a word, but she didn't need to. Instead, she simply walked into the apartment and made herself comfortable on the couch. Abeni watched her warily, unsure of what to make of this strange intrusion.

The old woman ignored her, instead focusing on the coffee table. She reached into her bag and pulled out an envelope, which she slid across the table. Abeni hesitated for a moment before cautiously picking it up. Inside was a large wad of cash.

"I am Mark's mother," the old woman finally said, her voice steady despite the anger in her eyes. "I am giving you $100,000, to shu