"Mhm. That's Haji's birthplace, and… both of us have been there for months."
Silence instantly followed Lola's words. Atlas and Allen stared at her, blinking once… twice… as if the information needed a moment to settle inside their skulls. Their expressions slowly transitioned from confusion to delayed realization.
When the meaning finally clicked, the two men exchanged a subtle but loaded look before turning back to Lola. She fluttered her eyelashes innocently, her smile bright and smug — like she was proud of accidentally dropping a bombshell.
"It seems like we're on a lucky roll, baby."
*****
Outside Atlas's office, Izu stood rigidly like a statue, hands behind his back, posture too stiff to be casual. Haji, on the other hand, leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets, head tilted as he watched Izu with mild concern — or amusement, maybe both.
"You should ease up, man," Haji finally said, breaking the heavy silence. "Why are you even anxious?"
"I'm not anxious."
