THE ALGORITHM

8.

Victoria sighed and raised her eyes. Unexpectedly, she met Bilal's gaze. She remained calm, her eyes reflecting a mixture of acknowledgment and inquiry. Patiently, the woman waited for Bilal's response.

"I see you've been snooping around."

"I didn't snoop around." Victoria objected honestly. "I accidentally knocked over your bag, and this folder fell out."

"Did you?" He raised his eyebrows, not believing her.

"I did." She glanced at the file before asking, "What is this about?"

Bilal tilted his head before speaking. He didn't see the harm in telling Victoria about the situation. She would figure it out eventually. Telling her now would save him from hearing her nag about it later.

"It's just a collection of information about a woman named Penelope."

Victoria nodded and rasped, "Penelope. That name sounds familiar. Why the detailed research?"

"She witnessed something she shouldn't have." He sighed before adding, "I'm in the process of sorting everything out."

"She witnessed something she shouldn't have?" Victoria reiterated curiously. "What did she witness?"

Bilal was tired of answering questions. He neared his fiancée and gently removed the folder from her hands. The man leaned and rasped, "You ask too many questions. Remember this...in our world, some things are better left in the shadows."

"Hm." Victoria hummed with a subtle expression. "I understand that, Bilal, but..." She looked toward her nails before adding, "Secrets have their way of coming to the light, don't they?"

###

Penny allowed her stubbornness to take over. She didn't take advantage of the offer Cecil gave her. The woman fell asleep without taking a shower or eating. The weariness from the chaotic events weighed heavily on her, causing her to fall into a deep slumber.

Slowly, she stirred in her sleep until she awakened. When Penny's eyes opened, she realized she was in an unfamiliar place. She blinked a few times with a disoriented facial expression before realizing she was still in the mansion.

Penny sat up and scanned the room again. The memories of being brought to the house by the mobsters and the hushed conversations lingered, creating an uneasy atmosphere. Penny couldn't shake that feeling away.

A few knocks occurred on the door, and without hesitation, it swung open. Cecil walked inside wearing fresh clothes. He wore a button-down shirt with chinos. A casual coat covered his shirt, and he wore loafers that gave him a relaxed yet put-together look.

"Good morning, Penelope." Cecil greeted her warmly. "I hope you had a restful night."

Penny didn't speak.

"We didn't get a chance to be properly introduced to each other. My name is Cecil, and I serve as the adviser here. I understand this may be disorienting for you, and I'm here to answer any questions that you may have. When you're ready, there's a warm meal waiting for you in the kitchen on the table. Miguel will guide you to it. He's right outside." Cecil stated, pointing toward the beefy guard. "Afterward, we can have a conversation."

Penny responded with a dismissive eye roll.

Cecil realized she was still upset about the events of the previous day. He wasn't surprised since she'd been brought there involuntarily.

"First, you go and take a shower. Hannah brought you clothes from yesterday. I expect to see you in the kitchen in thirty minutes. If you fail to comply, there will be consequences. I'm quite sure you don't want anyone helping you shower."