Aurelia slipped into the room and took a lifelike silicone mask out of an old trunk. In moments, she disguised herself as an utterly forgettable middle-aged woman, her features so plain that one might glance at her several times without any lasting impression.
Descending to the passenger cabin on the ground floor, she pushed open the door at the end of the corridor to find a tall man with unremarkable features sitting on the patio, sipping his coffee.
She settled beside him, pouring herself a cup and liberally adding cream and sugar. Black coffee was never to her taste.
"The poison Skyler made last time was not bad. Give those two a dose, and they will be high on it," she remarked casually.
Leopold's thin lips curved into a sinister smile. "You're getting naughtier by the day."
Aurelia smiled mischievously. "Sweep your enemies off the board'. Merciless and efficient."
She was always one step ahead, having secured the antidote from Skyler long before, ensuring she wouldn't fall victim to the hallucinogens. It had all been an act.
For every crafty move, there was a craftier countermove.
Leopold offered a dark chuckle. "I've got better stuff."
Surprised, Aurelia shot him a glance. He was always one to have another ace up his sleeve, with talents under his command capable of concocting the deadliest of poisons.
"There shouldn't be any more AK Group goons on this ship, right?"
As Leopold stirred his coffee, his gaze grew darker. "Their chapter isn't closed just yet."
Aurelia's lips curled into a sly smile. "I understand."
In the most hidden compartment at the bottom of the cruise ship, a female assassin writhed under the effects of a toxic injection. Her skin crawled with an unbearable itch followed by searing pain as if thousands of ants were gnawing at her heart. She screamed desperately for release.
"This poison won't kill you, but it will make you wish you were dead. That's what happens when you cross Mr. Leopold," a chilling voice warned her.
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