Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

It wasn't me. Mr. Schmidt... I wouldn't..." Amber's voice trembled as she struggled to articulate each word. Her eyes held a shaky semblance of innocence as if she were being wrongfully accused.

No one understood the consequences of betraying Jameson better than her. She didn't fear death itself. On the contrary, she dreaded dying for no good reason at all.

Thus, she fought to defend herself. "Mr. Schmidt, what would I gain from betraying you? Only Mr. Moses and I are privy to this information. Wouldn't you discover the truth swiftly if I had acted against you? Why would I be foolish enough to wish for my own demise?

"Besides, I'm practically under constant surveillance here. How could I have possibly contacted Ms.

Alyssa or Mr. Beckett? How could I betray you?"

Her words chipped away at Jameson's rage. She'd hit the right point.

Seeing a chance to salvage the situation, Amber continued, "Mr. Schmidt, you gave me this life. Without you, I have nothing. In the past, I've even tried to hurt Jasper myself. If you were to lose to them, I would be left defenseless. Would they even spare me?"

grip loosened on her chin, a hint of uncertainty creeping

rushed in, his face a

tugged at his tie in frustration.

"A-Axel is here!"

head were about to split open, her

she recalled those piercing eyes. It was as if Axel had reached out from the memory, squeezing the life out of

Axel?" Jameson's voice was taut with tension as he clenched his teeth.

Carl gritted his teeth. "The audacity of that bastard to enter our territory

with good intentions.

a seasoned secret agent with amateur skills?" Jameson adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "He wouldn't dare enter the Millennium without a plan. Amber, change your attire. You'll meet

Schmidt, I." Amber's heart pounded violently, sweat beading her

chilling laugh escaped his lips. "After all, Amber," he continued, his voice a low growl, "if you're truly as loyal as you claim, this shouldn't be