Chapter 221

Rain lashed against the windows of the abandoned warehouse, mirroring the storm raging inside Alice Lu. Across a battered metal table sat her older brother, Ethan, a glint of something cold in his usually jovial eyes. He held a file – a file she remembered from another lifetime, a lifetime where a seemingly insignificant business deal had nearly bankrupted Ethan and shattered their family. Was this connected?

Luke, her younger brother, shuffled forward, guilt etched onto his face. His voice, raspy with regret, barely registered above the drumming rain.“Alice, I used to take you everywhere. I’d walk you to and from school, protect you from Four’s temper. This…this time, I admit, I had selfish reasons. Revenge for you quitting the team, for costing me the championship. I’ve lost. everything, my reputation’s in tatters. Please, for old times‘ sake, drop the charges.” Alice wasn’t surprised by his plea. All the flowery apologies led to the same pathetic request: drop the lawsuit.

Their older brother, Blake, chimed in, his tone smoother, more calculating.“Alice, Six’s team is dissolved. He paid hefty penalties. He’s suffered enough. Let it go.”

Seeing Luke’s pathetic posture, Alice felt no satisfaction. Her focus remained singular: uncovering the truth behind their parents‘ death, finding the hit–and–run driver who’d escaped justice. She wanted that person to pay.

Ethan’s voice hardened, cutting through the tense silence. “Alice, have you made your decision?” “I’ve already said it’s not my decision. Industrial espionage is Maple Corp’s jurisdiction to pursue.” “But you and Jack are close, right? Just sweet–talk him. He’ll agree,” Blake said casually, as if influencing a billion–dollar CEO was as easy as ordering a burger.“Rich kids like Jack don’t sweat the small stuff. As long as the project stays with Maple Corp, everything else is negotiable.” Ethan, clearly frustrated, pressed, “So you’d rather protect Maple Corp’s interests than uncover the truth about Mom and Dad’s death? You’re being selfish, Alice!”

Alice stared at them, her gaze unwavering.“Mom and Dad would understand.” She refused to be manipulated by Ethan’s guilt–trip.

Ethan slammed his fist on the table, making the old metal clang. “You say that again?” Their younger brother, Noah, stepped in. Brother, calm down. Don’t resort to violence.” “Stay out of it! Didn’t you hear her? She doesn’t even care about finding out who killed our parents! She’s heartless! Ethan’s eyes welled up.

Alice’s voice remained steady, a chilling contrast to the outburst.“Believe what you want.” She craved the truth as much as anyone, but not at this price. She could investigate on her own. Blake stepped in front of Alice, trying to diffuse the situation.“Okay, Ethan, forcing a choice like this was wrong. You can’t pressure her.”

Alice’s voice

icy.“Move.” She knew there was more to

Blake’s

words.

to your age. He cared for you the most.” His voice turned persuasive.“Dropping the charges is like

agony of her last life, the loss she’d carried, was

Chapter 221

enough of this repayment nonsense!” Noah intervened. “We’re siblings,

presence prevented further confrontation. Fine, give her some time to think.

without looking back. Blake watched her go, then

lights blurred through her tears. The memories of that night,

followed her, hesitant to approach. Only when she was far away did

into his

“What’s wrong? After wiping away her tears, she said, “Take

her apartment, but instead of going up with her he

It was her friend “You didn’t come home last night! You’re

I don’t feel like going. Tell them

She

popped up from a shadowy online forum: they wanted to meet to discuss her firewall software. The address? Ethan’s

curt message:“Sorry, I’ve decided not

in bed. Later, heading to her college gaming team’s afternoon practice, she

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255