Raegan was horrified by their casual mention of killing. She deduced that their plan was to murder both her and Lauren, likely pinning their demises on Lauren.

Katie was the only person Raegan could think of who would have such intense animosity toward her.

Trying to contain her fear, Raegan offered a deal, “You're doing this for the money, right? I'll pay you five times whatever you're getting."

The taller man dismissed her offer with a sneer, citing their “professional ethics."

Raegan's desperation grew, her voice filled with a plea. “I'm serious, I can pay you a lot. Please."

The heavier man seemed to waver, touched by Raegan's tearful appeal.

He responded, “It's not just about the money. If we screw this up, it's over for us."

Irritated by the heavier man's chattiness, the taller man urged the heavier man to keep watch. "Check on the road. Let me know when the car's here."

With the heavier man gone, the taller one secured Raegan's bindings once more.

Then, his phone rang.

He warned Raegan and Lauren to behave before stepping aside to answer the phone.

Meanwhile, Lauren, huddled and bloodied in a corner, her eyes suddenly sparked with a vengeful glint. With a swift movement, she surged toward Raegan again, intent on violence. "Die!"

But Raegan, who had managed to move her bound hands in front, defended herself from Lauren's wild assault, exclaiming, "Do you want us both to die?"

Lauren's stare was ice-cold as she faced Raegan, her expression terrifying with her teeth exposed in a fierce snarl. “Guess what? You're the one who's going down alone. I'm off to a fresh start."

Lauren clung to the hope of a new beginning. Her rescuer had promised her a plane ticket, a stash of cash, and a passport once she finished this job. She dreamed of getting surgery abroad to heal her marred face and living comfortably ever after.

Raegan, fighting back against Lauren's grasp, replied with a hint of mockery, “Wow, you really haven't caught on, have you? They plan to get rid of us both."

"Nice try, but I'm not buying it!" Madness flashed in Lauren's eyes before she burst into wild laughter. "It's just you who's in trouble today. They're going to get rid of you and then whisk me away. I'll get my face fixed and snag a rich guy to live the dream!"

“Lauren, wake up! I overheard them. They're planning to make us both disappear for good!" Raegan snapped.

Doubt flickered in Lauren's eyes, and her hold weakened a bit.

“You're just trying to mess with my head..."