General Lane clenched his jaw so hard a ridge stood out along his cheek, but he had no answer.
O Niu's nuclear attack had dragged him down, leaving his future in jeopardy. His daughter Lois had worked tirelessly to persuade Yongye to pose for a photo with him and help repair his image.
Everyone knew what it had cost her.
Lois pressed the shutter at just the right moment. With a click, she captured two smiling faces—one relaxed and radiant, the other gritting his teeth as he forced a mild smile.
"Done."
Lois lowered the camera and checked the preview. "Looks good. The angle, lighting, and composition are perfect. No one will suspect a thing when we post it."
General Lane let go, stepped back, and straightened his uniform collar. He headed for the door with a stony face. As he passed Lois, he stopped and said, sounding utterly heartsick, "You're on your own." Then he pushed the door open and left.
His back was hunched like an old dog's!
The door closed.
The office fell quiet again. Lois set the camera on the coffee table, rose, and walked over to Yongye. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned close, her breath soft against him.
"Thank you for helping my father. As for your payment..."
"Pay me now." Yongye caught her by the waist and pulled her behind the desk.
Outside, the sunlight shifted from brilliant white to warm gold, casting an ever-lengthening shadow across the carpet. Now and then, a muffled moan escaped through the crack beneath the door, only to be swallowed by the hum of the central air conditioning.
The system notification sounded right on time.
``` [Ding—General Lane has been completely trapped by the host over the nuclear attack. His dignity and future are