85. The Oasis

After Antoinette left the room, I turned to Hadid. "We have to go to this Oasis. Tonight."

Hadid's expression was one of skepticism and what looked like genuine fear. "Emily, I don't think you understand how dangerous this is. We can't just waltz into that place unprepared. It's too dangerous."

I noticed how uncomfortable and distressed Hadid seemed. It made me wonder what exactly she was afraid of.

Pushing those thoughts aside, I reached for my phone to check the time, only to find it dead. "Do you have a charger I could use?" I asked.

Hadid nodded, retrieving one from her desk drawer and handed it to me. I plugged it in and after a while, it came to life. Immediately, it lit up with missed calls and messages – all from Giovanni.

My heart raced as I watched his name flash across the screen, another incoming call. I let it ring out, unable to bring myself to answer. What would I even say?

A text message popped up moments later:

"Emily, are you alright? Where are you? Please, just let