chapter 35

Maria's POV

Maria drove down a dark, secluded road, the night enveloping her surroundings. With determination, she activated her phone tracker and followed it to the exact location of the mysterious phone call. As she arrived,a figure emerged from the shadows, warning Maria not to turn around. Curiosity and defiance filled her, but she complied with his demand.

"What do you mean?" Maria wondered aloud, her voice filled with confusion. The man's anger intensified, his words laced with frustration. "Don't you dare turn around," he growled. Rolling her eyes, Maria reluctantly agreed, "fine, I won't. Now, tell me, what do you want?"

With a sly smile, the man folded his hands. "Many years ago, the baby was discovered by a couple in a village," he began slowly moving closer to Maria. " Now, it's up to you to solve the remaining Puzzle yourself." As he embraced her from behind, Maria's mind raced, determined to escape this dangerous situation at any cost.

In a swift motion she retrieved a knife from her bag. The man abruptly turn her around, his masked face concealing his true identity. Their lips met, but Maria siezed the opportunity, gripping his head tightly. Her eyes opened wide as she raised her right hand, swiftly plunging the knife into his back.

With a triumphant smile, she pushed him to the ground, leaving him wounded and bleeding on the road.

"Thanks for the information, but you're not needed anymore," Maria, declared, her voice filled with a chilling confidence

"I shouldn't leave without a parting gift."

Leaning down, she planted one final kiss on his lips before swiftly making her escape.

The sound of approaching men prompted her to swiftly enter her car and speed away.