THE ALGORITHM

8.

Penny stood alone in the lavishly adorned room. She was filled with a range of emotions and feelings. Part of her wanted to explore the opulence that surrounded her, but she couldn't quite focus on it. Penny couldn't help but think about how fast her life had changed. She felt an uncertain loom over her future. The life she had known, with its familiar routine and simple joys, now felt like a distant memory, replaced by the stark reality of her present situation.

The feeling of regret fell over her as she replayed the chilling scene in the alley. The murder became a burden that she simply pushed aside, but lately it had been weighing down on her. Penny didn't realize how dangerous it was to witness such a scene until now. It put her in a dangerous world she never wanted to be a part of.

Penny took in her surroundings and realized she no longer possessed her belongings. Her tote bag was now conspicuously absent.

"What am I going to do?" Penny whispered to herself, her eyes welled with tears. Before she could start her waterfall, a knock occurred on the door. She straightened up, immediately jumping into defense mode. The door creaked open gradually, unveiling the presence of a woman.

"Hi."

Penny didn't respond. She just stood there inspecting her thoroughly. The woman had a caramel complexion and wore her hair in a curly bun. She was dressed in all white, sporting a crisp and immaculate housekeeper's uniform. The white fabric clung perfectly to her form, suggesting professionalism and meticulous attention to detail. A neatly pressed apron adorned her waist, and a small badge gleamed on her chest, identifying her.

Hannah.

Penny's hardened gaze softened when she noticed a gentle curve beneath the housekeeper's uniform. A subtle but undeniable sign that life was flourishing within. Pregnancy.

"I'm Hannah." Hannah continued to speak. "I was instructed to bring you some essentials."

Penny, still cautious but curious, nodded in acknowledgement. She couldn't help but notice how high-pitched and squeaky Hannah's voice was. Her tone was like a gentle melody. It carried a certain warmth.

"I've brought you a few things for you–items for your shower. Like clothes, a toothbrush, bodywash, deodorant, and towels."

As she spoke, Hannah gestured towards a neatly arranged set of toiletries on a cart he pushed in. She grabbed each item and placed it on the large bed in the center of the room. In the midst of her task, Penny noticed the door was open. Glancing toward the hallway, a fleeting thought of making a run for it crossed her mind, only to be halted by the sight of a robust man equipped with a walkie-talkie patrolling the halls.

Security personnel.

What Penny failed to realize was that the mansion was covered with guards. Nothing slipped past them. Surveillance cameras were also installed everywhere except the bedrooms–most of them.

Silently, she huffed, feeling defeated.

"That should be it. You can shower when you're ready. Luckily, you have a bathroom in here. There should be plenty of toilet paper and paper towels." Hannah informed her. "If I have time tomorrow, I'll stock the closet with towels and other toiletries so you won't run out."

So you won't run out.

Those words evoked an emotional response in Penny. She was aware that they had no intentions of letting her leave. Instead of responding, she stood there, questioning her next move. Penny had to devise a plan.

###

The private jet landed in Oregon later that day. Bilal and Victoria's luggage were delivered to their room. Bilal's assistant booked him a posh suite during his stay in Portland. The spacious living area had elegant sofas and armchairs surrounded by a polished coffee table, creating a luxurious space for relaxation. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic views of the city skyline, allowing Bilal and Victoria to appreciate the beauty of Oregon from the comfort of their suite.