THE ART OF DECEPTION

rom Lena and drop his investigation. As Max hung up the phone, his expression was grim. "We need to get out of here," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Now." Lena nodded, her mind

sound of footsteps echoing through the alleyway. They were light and cautious, but Lena's heart was racing with fear. Max's eyes never left hers as he slowly turned to face the street. Lena followed his gaze, and her heart skipped a beat as she saw a figure emerging from the shadows. It was a woman, tall and slender, with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She was dressed in a sleek black suit, and her expression was cold and calculating. "Max," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "I see you're still playing games." Max's eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, his body shielding Lena's. "What do you want, Sophia?" he growled. Sophia's smile was icy. "I want you to drop your investigation," she said. "I want you to leave the gallery alone." Max's expression was unyielding. "I won't do that," he said. "I won't back down." Sophia's eyes flashed with anger, and