52 The Falcon Team

Liam's response lingered in a realm of mystery, offering neither acknowledgment nor disagreement.

Hobe found it challenging to unravel Liam's thoughts; his expression resembled a cryptic puzzle.

In the subsequent days, Hobe identified Liam as The Pokerface, Alina's virtual intercourse partner.

Having weathered disapproval from different quarters in the past, Hobe keenly sensed Christopher's dissatisfaction. 

Did it bother him? Not at all.

 Okay, a bit.

Hobe firmly believed in the system's ability to pair him with any collaborator.

Regardless of the partner's acceptance, as long as he could accumulate points, Hobe remained unfazed.

"Liam, throw in a word," Chris pretended nonchalantly, masking the silence with a burst of laughter.

"No biggie," Liam mumbled with a notable lack of enthusiasm.

"Ugh, putting on a patient act!" Jenny grumbled sotto voce.