Orion nodded. He took the sweet potatoes and ate slowly, without gobbling them down. Nina poured him another glass of water."If it's not enough, I'll get you more," she said.Orion shook his head. Nina noticed that he preferred not to speak unless absolutely necessary. She did not want to stare at him while he ate, so she busied herself with tidying up the tent. Suddenly, a trumpet sounded. It was the call to assemble. Something was happening in the military.What she did not expect was to see Orion put down his sweet potato, stand up straight, and salute. It was a perfect military posture and a crisp salute. Nina was completely taken aback. He was only five years old. How could he perform these actions so expertly? Could he be the child of a soldier?Realizing the significance, Nina decided to contact the embassy. If he was the child of a fallen soldier, he should not be left alone in a foreign land."Orion, you're not a soldier, but you know these things. Who taught you
She often helped the poor and injured, bringing them extra food and supplies. The cooks knew about her efforts. Orion's small hand gripped hers tightly, so tightly that Nina could feel his palm sweating. "Look, do you like these two outfits?" Nina asked, using her free hand to hold up the clothes. Because of the constant upheaval, white clothes were impractical. She had bought one set of camouflage clothes and another in sky blue. Since it was too far to carry many things, she planned to leave more supplies for Orion once she got him to the embassy and after they identified him.Orion did not even glance at the clothes. His eyes were red and filled with fear. Nina could not help but pull him into a comforting hug. "Don't be afraid. These are our Birkhamese soldiers. They won't treat you like soldiers from other countries. I promise you that. Now, try on your new clothes."She helped him dress, and although Orion did not speak, he cooperated quietly. Nina lifted him onto the
"Miss Nina."The call immediately snapped Nina out of her thoughts. She looked up instinctively to see a soldier standing at the door."You're looking for me?" she asked."Yes, the Yaren tribe sent over a large shipment of supplies, and they specifically requested that you sign for it.""Alright."For the past five years, no matter where she was, the Yaren tribe had consistently arranged for large shipments of supplies to be sent her way. It was always someone else delivering them. Micah and the Pharaoh never appeared. But every month, a large sum of money would be deposited into her account. The supplies helped the impoverished locals and improved the soldiers' meals, so Nina had no reason to refuse. Plus, she did not have to see Micah or the Pharaoh.She patted Orion on the head. "I have to go out for a bit. Be good and don't run off."Orion nodded.Seeing how Orion preferred to remain silent, Nina's heart felt heavy. If the embassy could not arrange for someone to help, sh
"You've been a war journalist for years now, so you should know that Seth isn't dead. Seth is ambitious and has been used as a pawn. I need your help with something," Micah said, taking a deep breath to steady his emotions before speaking slowly to Nina.Nina was silent for a few seconds. "What kind of help?" she asked. If Micah had come to her, it was likely something she could help with. Otherwise, he would not have asked."When Miranda assumed your identity, Seth almost gained control of the Yaren tribe. If you come back to the Yaren tribe with me, Seth will definitely make a move," Micah explained, his gaze fixed on Nina.Nina remained calm and emotionless, but she did not respond immediately. Just as Micah thought she would not agree, she quietly said, "Alright, I'll go back with you."Years ago, when she and Nash were in the Yaren tribe, and she was captured by Miranda, it was Micah who had protected her from the shadows. Since he had come to her for help, she felt obliged to
The military doctor first administered emergency treatment to Orion and then examined him thoroughly. Finally, the diagnosis came. "He has asthma. He needs to have medication with him at all times."Asthma…Hearing this word made Nina's scalp tingle. She knew about this illness. It could be congenital, hereditary, or acquired. It required constant medication, or an attack could be fatal.Nina shuddered to think what might have happened if Orion had not encountered her, if he had not been at the military camp. Would he have died from an asthma attack with no one to help or even notice?Throughout all this, Orion clung tightly to her hand.She remembered that day when Orion had clearly and painfully expressed that he did not want to go to the embassy, that he wanted to stay with her. Perhaps he saw her as the only person who cared about him."Ah... Ah..."A violent coughing fit interrupted Nina's thoughts. She looked over and saw that Orion had woken up. His eyes were filled wit
All signs indicated that this was an accident, not a premeditated act.Nina replied, "I understand. Let's leave today."She did not have much to pack, just a small backpack for Orion's two sets of clothes. However, she made it clear to Micah, "I still have some unfinished business. I'll go with you to the Yaren tribe, but I can only stay for three days at most."Three days did not include today's travel time. It was indeed a short period. But the fact that Nina agreed to go to the Yaren tribe was already a significant step....Orion silently followed Nina, not making any noise or fuss. Micah noticed. From the side, the child bore a slight resemblance to Nina. However, he knew all too well that Nina and Nash's child had died five years ago. Even if the child had not died, there was no way Nina would not have found a trace after searching for five years. Moreover, there had been no news about Nash either. The child's resemblance was merely a coincidence."Bang!" A loud explo
Nina did not say anything, but she gave Micah a knowing smile. Despite resuming their journey, this small incident left Micah and Mr. Joker wary, with Nina also keeping it in mind. They did not realize that a team was covertly following them to ensure their safe return to the Yaren tribe.Upon learning of Nina's return, the Pharaoh had meticulously prepared an enormous, luxurious room for her. The moment Nina stepped inside, she promptly exited."Give me a simpler room," she demanded.She had not seen the Pharaoh, but she knew this was his doing. This was his attempt at making amends, but their history could not be mended with a few gestures. As she entered the tribe, memories of narrowly escaping death, being treated as an experiment, and the tribe’s cruel methods flooded back. She could not forget Nash being poisoned and his eventual death.She knew her biological father, the Pharaoh, and Nash were always at odds. For the past five years, she had been secretly investigating
The woman narrowed her eyes, surprised that Nina had some skills. But she had already decided to make Nina retreat. A few tricks would not deter her."Don't forget where you are. You have no standing here! Don’t think just because you’ve latched onto Mr. Micah that you can become the respected Mrs. Micah of the Yaren tribe! Let me tell you, the control of the tribe belongs to the Pharaoh and Mr. Micah, and they will give it to Miss Ivy. You and your illegitimate child better leave before you embarrass yourselves further!"The woman shouted, her eyes blazing with fury. If looks could kill, Nina would have already been dead under her glare. She kept attacking as she spoke, but Nina was no longer the same person from five years ago. With a few quick moves, Nina had her pinned to the ground.Before Nina could say anything, Mr. Joker arrived with some items. "Miss Ivy, these are the clothes Mr. Micah asked me to bring."The woman's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "You... you’re M
If Liam had been a normal person, Hunter never would have sent her here in the first place. But of course, Yelena could only think that. She wasn’t suicidal enough to say it out loud. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “I was really just messaging an old classmate. If you don’t believe me, go ahead—check my phone.” She wasn’t worried. Whenever she contacted Hunter, she deleted each message immediately. She had even forged an entire fake conversation just in case Liam ever got suspicious. So, no matter how thoroughly he checked, there would be nothing for him to find. Liam narrowed his eyes. “Is that so? Then why do I still feel like you’re lying? Women like you—nothing but liars, every last one of you.” Then, he struck her again. Yelena screamed. The pain was relentless, merciless. She had no idea how long it lasted—only that by the time he finally stopped, she was barely breathing. Her body slumped against the floor
Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind Yelena. She spun around, her heart hammering in her chest. Liam was walking toward her, a faint smile on his lips—but the coldness in his eyes told a different story. Memories of his past cruelty flashed through her mind, sending a shudder down her spine. She forced herself to stay calm. “Who are you messaging?” He was getting closer. So close that when he finally stopped, they were nearly pressed against each other. Then, without warning, his fingers clamped around her chin, gripping tighter and tighter. Pain shot through her jaw, and Yelena winced. “No one. Just an old classmate. I ran into her a few days ago while I was out.” “Oh? Is that so?” Liam’s voice softened, almost gentle. To anyone watching, he might have seemed like a kind, easygoing man. But Yelena knew better. He would never let her off that easily. And sure enough— In the next second, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her hea
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.“Haven’t I been just fine lately?“Or do you think my hand isn’t injured enough? If that’s the case, go ahead—do it yourself. “You already know I wouldn’t fight back no matter what.” Without warning, Yelena stretched out her injured hand, an act that instantly enraged Liam. “What the hell is wrong with you?” He snapped. “I was just making a casual remark. Is that really what you think of me? I already told you—I’m not going to lay a hand on you.“It wasn’t intentional before, and you know it. We both do. Stop acting like you’re above all this when we both know who sent you here.” Yelena felt a pang of sadness. They had spent so much time together, yet this was how he treated her—always choosing to hurt her. “I know—I wasn’t someone you chose, and none of this was intentional. But after all this time we've spent together...“I thought maybe I was a little different to you. But I guess I was wrong. Nothing has changed at all.
“Why do you even care about what happens to other people? Haven’t I made myself clear enough already?“Whose card is this—yours or mine?” His assistant immediately apologized upon hearing Caleb’s tone. “I hope you won’t hold this against me. I really wasn’t thinking clearly at the time—I should have considered this more carefully.” Caleb didn’t bother responding. After hanging up, he focused entirely on investigating Vera’s brother. *Meanwhile, Vera was deeply worried. If things had been somewhat under control before, now they were completely off track. The situation on both sides was far more complicated than she had anticipated. “Don’t worry. That’s exactly how it is. If you don’t want to go in person, I can go for you—but it won’t be cheap,” the private investigator said.Since Caleb had warned her about the private investigator, Vera started testing him, probing for inconsistencies. And sure enough, his story had too many holes. “Why are you so sure my b
As Caleb spoke, he looked at Vera with a hint of helplessness. After all, her hand had been injured because of Luna. “Don’t feel guilty about this. Honestly, it’s nothing to me.“And I’m not the type to carry burdens over things like this.“Besides, it’s been so long. If this had happened back then, I might have cared. But now? I just don’t think it matters anymore.” Vera’s voice was steady and sincere. But Caleb’s expression darkened. “Why would you say that? Why do you think it doesn’t matter? Do you really see me as just the same as everyone else?” For some reason, at this moment, Caleb took it personally. Vera couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course not. You’re different from the rest—so obviously, I wouldn’t see it the same way.“You’ve helped me so much. The least I can do is acknowledge that, instead of stubbornly nitpicking about what’s right or wrong, don’t you think?“Besides, whatever happened between you and Luna, that’s none of my business. It’s in
“I didn’t mean to just now. Besides, you’ve been acting all sneaky lately—so really, who else is to blame?” Seeing Yelena in tears, Liam, who had been furious just moments ago, felt a small pang of guilt. He was never good at expressing emotions. But watching her like this made him a little uncomfortable. “Go get your hand treated. Otherwise, people who don’t know any better might think I’ve been abusing you.” With that, he turned and walked away. Yelena watched his retreating figure, feeling a bit helpless. This wasn’t something she could decide on her own. Installing surveillance? It wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Liam was naturally suspicious. If he caught wind of it, the consequences would be disastrous. But she had no choice. She had a mission to complete, and there was more at stake than just this moment. Letting out a deep sigh, she finally decided to head to a clinic to get her hand treated. *“What happened to you? That’s a serious injury. You
And just like that, the conversation fell into a brief silence. Meanwhile, on the other side, Hunter received a call from Yelena. “What did you just say?” Yelena told him that her hand was broken, and on top of that, Liam seemed to be getting suspicious. She wasn’t sure what to do, so she called Hunter for advice. “I don’t really care what happens to you, but at the very least, take care of yourself.“Otherwise, if something else goes wrong later, I’ll have to step in and clean up the mess. Don’t you think so?” Hearing this, Yelena was a little taken aback. “It’s not just about my injury. The real problem is, I’m scared of what he might do now.” Sure, she had taken the two hundred thousand dollars, but she had to stay alive to spend it. At this rate, she wouldn’t even make it through in one piece. “I already told you—protect yourself. If you need anything else, I’ll try to provide it. But right now, I need you to do something for me.” Hunter had been look
“Yes, it’s in that mountain area. If you’re worried, you can go check it out yourself. But as for anything else, we don’t really have much more information.”Compared to everything else, this was the most baffling situation.“You make a good point. But given the current circumstances, I think it’ll be difficult to pull off.”Vera was speaking with the private investigator. Deep down, she was more worried than anything else.“Don’t worry,” the private investigator reassured her. “Aside from what we discussed earlier, nothing else seems too extreme. Plus, we’ve already looked into it pretty thoroughly.”By the time he finished speaking, his expression had grown more complicated.“Alright. I understand.”After hanging up, she anxiously looked straight ahead. If she had been mentally prepared before, now she was starting to feel uneasy. “What’s going on?” Caleb asked while driving, glancing at her. Vera hesitated, debating whether to tell him or not. But seeing the strange
“I only had one surgery today,” Caleb said as he drove, his voice calm but firm. “Now that it’s done, I want to know why this happened.” After that, he said nothing more. Vera sat in silence, her heart uneasy as the car pulled up in front of an upscale club. Even though her hand was already bandaged, she still felt a sting of pain every time Caleb showed concern. “So this is what it feels like to have someone care,” she thought to herself.Back when Vera had been stepped on, her only concern had been the contract—whether the deal would fall apart and if her suffering had been for nothing.If it had been anything else, she probably wouldn’t have cared as much.But Caleb’s concern made it impossible for her to brush aside.It kept lingering in her mind, refusing to let her feel indifferent.“Don’t overthink it,” Caleb said, his voice firm. “Whatever happened between Luna and me doesn’t change the fact that this concerns me too—and I owe it to you to make things right.”