The aftermath of the confrontation left the bar in shambles, shattered glass and splintered wood littering the floor like the remnants of a battlefield. Max and Vivian stood amidst the wreckage, their breaths coming in ragged gasps, their bodies still thrumming with the adrenaline of combat.
Vivian turned to Max, her eyes searching his face with a mixture of concern and determination. "We need to talk, Max. There's something you need to know."
Max nodded, his jaw clenched with tension. "What is it, Vivian?"
She hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering to the floor before meeting his once more. "It's about Franklin. About what he's planning."
Max's heart clenched at the mention of Franklin's name, a flood of memories rushing back to haunt him. "Tell me," he said, his voice low and urgent.
