Chapter 68: The Cursed Wallet Code

The atmosphere was filled with tension and fear. Aurora stood bound, her eyes fixed on Abboud and John, while the leader of the organization spoke with eerie calm.

Leader of the organization (in a cold voice):
"I know you've discovered the code hidden in the tattoo, Abboud. I don't need the tattoo; give me the code you extracted from it. You've shown intelligence and courage up until now. It's time to hand over the code. Don't worry, everything will be fine."

Abboud looked at Aurora, then at John, feeling immense pressure on his shoulders. He knew that giving the code to the leader meant handing over the power they sought, and there might be no return. But his thoughts were focused on saving Aurora from this situation.

Abboud (in a calm voice):
"If I give you the code, will you really release Aurora?"

Leader of the organization (smiling maliciously):
"Of course. I have no need for her once I get what I want."

John, who had been observing the situation silently, felt something strange in the leader's tone. That phrase, "everything will be fine," triggered terrifying memories in his mind. It was the same phrase the leader used before killing his victims, a phrase filled with deception and hidden threats.

John (to himself):
"This phrase... it's the same words he uses before killing his victims. Is he planning to kill all of us after he gets the code?"

John began to realize that time was running out. He didn't trust the leader and knew that giving him the code wouldn't resolve the matter as Abboud thought. But he didn't know how to act without endangering Aurora or Abboud.

Abboud was ready to hand over the code, but he sensed the growing tension emanating from John. He glanced at him and could see the concern in his eyes. He knew John was thinking something else.

John (in a warning tone, but speaking softly):
"Abboud, think again. Don't trust his words. This isn't the end of it."

Abboud hesitated for a moment. He knew John was right, but he didn't know how to get out of this situation without giving the code.

Leader of the organization (in a raised voice):
"Come on, Abboud. Don't waste time. Give me the code, and I promise Aurora will be free."

Abboud looked at the leader, then at Aurora. His heart was torn between fear and the desire to save her. In the end, he decided to stall.

Abboud (in a serious voice):
"I need to make sure you'll keep your word first. Let me talk to Aurora."

The leader hesitated for a moment but then smiled coldly.

Leader of the organization:
"Fine, I'll let you speak to her."

As Abboud approached Aurora, John was quickly forming a plan in his head. He wasn't ready to stand by and watch while everyone got killed. He knew this was the crucial moment, and he needed to act.

John (to himself):
"If we give him the code, it's over. I need to act fast."

John decided to take action. As Abboud moved toward Aurora, John approached one of the leader's men, who was less attentive. In a sudden move, John disarmed him and neutralized him.

John (in a loud, commanding voice):
"Everyone stop now!"

Everyone froze in place as John pointed the weapon at one of the leader's men.

Leader of the organization (angrily):
"What are you doing, John? Have you lost your mind?"

John (filled with defiance):
"I'm not going to let you kill all of us after you get the code. If you want the code, you'll let Aurora go first, and then we'll negotiate."

The leader chuckled dryly.

Leader of the organization (calmly):
"You're dumber than I thought, John. Did you think I hadn't planned for this? Abboud will give me the code willingly, whether he likes it or not."

At that moment, the situation turned into a standoff between John and the leader, while Abboud was desperately trying to figure out how to save everyone. Abboud realized that he needed to act now, or there would be no hope. He looked at Aurora, then at John, and knew the time had come for a decisive move.

Abboud knew that handing over the code wouldn't end the story—it could make things worse. He had to protect Aurora, but he still didn't have a clear plan.

John (in a loud, anger-filled voice):
"I'm not going to let you kill us all!"

Without hesitation, John fired a shot directly at the leader. The bullet hit the leader in the shoulder, causing him to lose balance for a moment and fall to the ground. But before John could move away, the leader fired a shot from his gun, hitting John in the side.