As Jasper finished speaking, the room plunged into an eerie quietness. The only audible sound was the heavy breathing of the three men, each waiting anxiously for someone else to make the next move. Tensions ran high, threatening to boil over at any instant.
Paul's expression was pensive as he considered Jasper's words. He squinted at him, his suspicion still present, but his interest piqued. After a moment of deliberation, he spoke, his tone measured. "I see. That makes sense. She has been with you for the past few days, which explains why I couldn't find her. Interesting." He nodded thoughtfully, his mind working overtime.
Despite his annoyance at being outsmarted by Jasper, Paul couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration for the man's cunning. However, his pride wouldn't allow him to admit defeat so easily.
"I want you to release her," Jasper demanded.
