Shelly dusted herself off, straightening up with a sarcastic grin that barely reached her eyes. "Seems like you only got half the story, Benjamin, am I right?" She taunted, her voice dripping with bitter satisfaction. "Now imagine how Erica will feel if you're too depressed to handle Bianca's death."
Max turned to face her, his expression stern and voice cold. "I'm not surprised you're already aware, Shelly. And I can only wonder how Bianca really died. But don't get too comfortable—your time is ticking, and you won't like what's coming." He dismissed her with a final, piercing look and strode off, his steps firm as he headed to meet Nichole.
As he walked away, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Erica. "Sorry, Erica, I have to be somewhere right now. Bianca is dead. She was found in her apartment, and my presence is needed."
