"You may have blocked off the signal earlier, but that's not gonna do anything. My people are right outside, and they're telling me the signal will be back soon. The livestream will return, and everyone will have heard everything you just said. Do you want to wager a guess what they're saying about you right now?" Patrick looked pleased with himself.

Darius only found his chatter annoying. He raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't we be more worried about the fact that there are bombs around the banquet hall?"

Patrick snorted. "Of course not! I was the one who had those bombs laid, so there's no way I'll be hurt by them."

Darius smiled mockingly. "You do realize you're standing before me, right? If you want the bombs to do what they're supposed to, you have to detonate them. Before that happens, you must leave this place and find a way to keep me and Stephen here. Do you think that's possible?" His tone was gentle and cajoling, but it echoed in the empty banquet hall, adding an eerie vibe to i