As Veronica and Hutton continued down the isolated corridor of Drake 9, the dim light of the sconces casting long shadows on the walls, Veronica suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught as she spotted a familiar figure standing a short distance ahead.
Franklin.
The older man stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his presence commanding and cold as always. His sharp eyes bore into his daughter as she froze in place, trembling slightly.
"Veronica," Franklin said, his voice calm yet laced with authority, "your job here is done. You can go back now."
Hutton's gaze flicked between Veronica and Franklin, his expression impassive as he took in the tension between the two.
Veronica hesitated, guilt and regret flooding her features. Her lips quivered as she took a shaky step forward. "Why… why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice trembling. "This is wrong, Father. You know it is!"
