Looking at Nathan's hurried retreat, Paula’s cold, mocking gaze deepened. She inwardly sneered at the sight. How had such a person ever become the second-in-command of Apex? Was this some kind of smokescreen set up by Apex, to make the outside world think they were in decline, that they could be easily bullied, only to lure them into a trap when they got too close?

Meanwhile, Nathan reached a corner and looked back at the three men at the poker table. A chill ran down his spine. Any ...