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The Shadow's Deception
Last Updated:
2024-03-18 22:38:10Related chapters
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Towering Rage
AS THEY SPED down the dark, rain-slicked streets, Blanche's mind raced, planning how she would be able to prove her innocence when even the authorities were being paid a huge amount of money. Suddenly, flashing red and blue lights illuminated the interior of the car as Yama pulled over. Another police car had blocked their path, and a stern-faced officer approached Yama's window. "What is the meaning of this, Officer?" Yama rolled down her window and asked her fellow officer. The officer then glances at the backseat where Blanche is sitting. "Is she the main suspect in killing the officers of the Black Organization?" He asked, hesitant, Yama glanced at Blanche using the rearview mirror before nodding yes. "We've received intel that the suspect you're transporting is set to meet with a high-profile individual. We're taking over custody." Yama's jaw tightened as she exchanged a look with Blanche, who remained silent, her expression unr
Last Updated : 2024-03-18Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Blossoming Bond
THE UNIVERSITY campus bustled as students hurried to their classes, they were in their fourth year completing their undergraduate degrees. Lucien stepped out of her car, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. She glanced around, her eyes searching for a familiar face. With a graceful flick, she flipped her hair over her shoulders as she walked gracefully along the pathway. Astrid emerged from the crowd, a smile lighting up her face as she spotted Lucien. She walked over, falling into step beside her. "Good morning, Lucien," Astrid greeted, her voice warm. "Morning, Astrid," Lucien replied, returning the smile and reaching out for Astrid's hand and holding it as they continued walking. "Thanks for walking with me." "Of course," Astrid said, falling into step with Lucien as they made their way towards the main building. "How was your weekend?" Lucien shrugged. "Same old, same old. Just lots of family stuff." Astri
Last Updated : 2024-04-09Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Melancholic Echoes
REMNANTS FROM the past echoed in the present times. The path that was supposed to never cross each other had been haunting them all together now. Venus looked at Astrid's eyes as if she could not understand what the director was trying to say. "Director," Venus utters. "If you're saying that you are one of Blanche's mothers, then how could you not know that you are her blood-related?" She then added. Astrid chuckles, her forehead buried in her right palm. "I know from the start that I am related to Blanche. What I meant to say is that I never expected her to carry my bloodline." The Director answered and released a deep sigh as she bitterly smiled. Venus tries to understand the Director. This is also new to her. Blanche did not even mention that she had two mothers. Question after question, Venus had been eaten up by her curiosity. Does her wife lied to her about her story? She shrugs. That can't be. Blanche is never the type of person to lie out
Last Updated : 2024-04-09Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Clash of Convictions
BORN WITH an empty spoon, scraping by in a place they reluctantly called home, their lives a testament to misfortune and destitution. These children are the product of unwanted circumstances, carried into a world where scarcity and hardship are their daily companions. Their lineage has been known for violence - they are the clans hired by influential individuals who prefer to wield power through intimidation and force. The Innokenti lineage had been known to be the family of killers and assassins. They are for hire; however, even if influential people hire them, they are not able to provide a suitable lifestyle which forces the younger generation to live in poverty and filth. Staring out of the floor-to-ceiling window of his hotel room, Nikolai's gaze was unfocused, lost in memories of his sister's betrayal. He held a glass of whiskey, swirling it absently as he stood with one hand in his pocket. With a bitter chuckle, he muttered to himself, "Ah
Last Updated : 2024-04-10Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Janus-Faced
WILDFLOWERS FILLED the air with their sweet scent and the soft chirping of birds. Dressed in a black trouser and a white tank top, her barefeet touched the cool, soft grass. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, and she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and safety. She wandered through this serene and sunlit meadow, her fingers brushing the tops of the flowers as she walked. In the distance, she saw a cozy cottage with smoke curling from the chimney. The path leading to the cottage was lined with vibrant flowers, and as she approached, she heard the sound of familiar laughter and the soft hum of melody. The cottage door opened and a woman stepped out with a warm, welcoming smile - it was her mother, Lucien, looking healthy and radiant. Beside her was another woman, Astrid, who Blanche knew as her mother's best friend but now, she felt an even deeper connection. Blanche's face brightens up with a smile as she runs towards them.
Last Updated : 2024-05-28Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Pursuit
IN THE PITCH-dark afternoon, the room was filled with the mechanical sound of the heart monitor. It had been two weeks since the clash between General and Blanche had occurred, and yet, the General was still unconscious. Nikolai intertwined his fingers, resting his chin on them. Squinting at the computer screen, he scoffed. "What? Why?" his companion asked, curious about Nikolai's reaction. He shrugged and clicked on the mouse. "I wonder if Lucien really lost her sanity," Nikolai muttered while zooming out on the surveillance recording. "Insane or not, you should have secured her room better. She wouldn't have escaped her prison cell if I had known your idea of containing her in the Black Organization's secret chamber would fail." Nikolai groaned, irritated by his companion's comment. "Instead of meddling in my business, why don't you ensure your little puppet won't betray you?" he snapped, implying his companion's sudden decision to
Last Updated : 2024-07-17Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Entanglement
REALIZING HOW twisted life could be, Yama couldn't help but laugh inside her mind. What kind of situation had she put herself into? Right before her, sat the long-lost heiress of the Emerson fortune—Aurelia Lucien Emerson-Hollingsworth, the Director's missing wife for goodness knows how long. Life indeed had a way of weaving twisted events. Yama sighed and smiled as she continued to tend to the bruises on Lucien's body. "If it wasn't luck, then I don't know what it is, Miss Lucien. I'm glad I was the one who saw you back on the road—what would have happened if one of the enemies had caught you? We might never have known you were still alive." "Thank you..." Lucien uttered with a hoarse voice. She lowered her gaze, trying to hide her bruised face, but Yama gently held her chin, looking her straight in the eyes. "No wonder our Director couldn't move on. You're indeed beautiful, Miss Lucien," Yama said before standing up. Confused,
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Fractured Moments
THUNDER roars as the storm rages with no sign of letting up. Lightning flashed, momentarily illuminating the room and casting jagged reflections across the rain-streaked windows. The newcomer stood silently by the glass, hands buried deep in her pockets, her presence unsettling. The tension in the air was palpable, and the others remained quiet, wary of the eerie aura she exuded. “It’s been a while since he’s shown any sign of life,” she mused, her voice calm yet cold. She raised a steaming cup of coffee to her lips, glancing at the reflection of the man lying motionless on the queen-sized bed. “Don’t you think it’s time we put an end to this?” She set the cup down on the bedside table, her gaze never leaving the patient. “Honestly, I bet the old man would prefer rest at this point. Revenge is a young person’s game, and he’s far too old for it.” Her fingers brushed the IV tubing that snaked from the patient’s arm, her touch both casual and threat
Last Updated : 2024-09-20
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Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Year Beyond
A YEAR had passed for Blanche and her family, and during that time, she’d come to realize that building a family wasn’t as straightforward as the missions she had taken on in the past. Yet, despite the challenges, she saw it as a different kind of adventure—one she could cherish alongside the people she loved most. Shiobhan had just turned four last month and was now attending nursery school. Blanche and Venus shared the responsibility of caring for their daughter, and they were both incredibly hands-on. It didn’t have to be perfect, but they made sure to be present for every moment, big or small, ensuring that Shiobhan felt loved and supported every step of the way. More than anything, they had learned that it wasn’t about getting everything right all the time—it was about showing up, being there for each other, and navigating the highs and lows of family life together. They had their struggles, of course, but through it all, they held on to the love that had c
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Unwrapped Surprise
BLANCHE was lost in deep thought when she suddenly felt something warm and soft touch her hand. She flinched slightly and looked down, surprised to see a little girl standing in front of her, holding her hand. Confused, she glanced around the room, wondering if anyone had brought a child along. "A kid?" Yama noticed Blanche's bewildered expression as she stared at the little girl. Yama approached, but as soon as she got close, the child quickly hid behind Blanche's leg. Blanche chuckled. "She's scared of you—probably thinks you're a monster," she teased, then bent down, gently cupping the child's face with her hand. "Are you lost, sweetheart?" Blanche asked softly, offering a kind smile. The little girl giggled, cupping Blanche's face in return. "Hi," the little girl greeted with an adorable voice. Blanche's companions watched curiously. "Hello," Blanche replied in a gentle tone, making sure not to startle her. "Do you want m
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The New Dawn
THREE months had passed since the downfall of the Black Spectre, which had dominated headlines across Europe. The buzz around it had begun to fade, but for Blanche, life was taking a new direction. She had joined MI6 as a Chemical Pharmacist, now holding the rank of Chemical Weapons Specialist. Rather than participating in operations, she focused on the technical and analytical aspects of chemical substances, especially concerning explosives and drug formulations. "Aren't you going to take your leave?" a voice broke through her concentration. Blanche turned to see Chief Langley approaching and smiled. "Ah, Chief Langley," she said, removing her goggles and gloves. "How's your new position?" Natalia asked, her gaze assessing her daughter-in-law. "Good! I'm honestly enjoying it," Blanche replied, rubbing her nape. She still couldn't believe how she had completely forgotten her mother-in-law's face. What a crackhead she felt like! Natalia n
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Battle Scars
AS THE sun began to rise, the abandoned building came to life with the sound of authorities collecting guns and other illegal paraphernalia. Outside, Blanche and her team waited for the investigation to conclude, the weight of another all-nighter heavy on their shoulders. Blanche sighed, lifting her gaze to survey the chaos around her, where everyone was busy gathering evidence to use against General Grey. “Finally getting a breather, huh?” Venus’ voice broke through, pulling Blanche’s attention. She turned to see her wife approaching, a smile breaking across her face. “Right,” Blanche replied, though Venus arched an eyebrow, sensing there was more. “Remember the one thing you asked me? To know me more?” Blanche added, her tone shifting as Venus nodded, looking at her with an intensity that made Blanche’s heart flutter. “I guess it’s time for you to know,” she said, rubbing her nape shyly. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Venus; rather, the missions
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Gambit
CAUGHT OFF guard, the General’s team failed to anticipate the twist that had just unfolded. His face flushed with anger, veins throbbing at his temple. Slamming his palm on the table across from the cell where his enemies were held, he glared at them with unbridled fury, his chest heaving as rage overtook him. His eyes locked onto Astrid and her team, the realization that he had been outplayed dawning too late. The prisoners remained calm, their eyes meeting his with an eerie stillness. The power he once held over them was slipping, and he could feel it. "General, we have been compromised! Two snipers are in sight!" One of his men shouted urgently over the communication device, his voice trembling. "I repeat—" The transmission cut off abruptly, leaving the air thick with tension. "Nikolai! Assemble our men!" the General barked, his voice echoing with authority. Cessair couldn’t help but scoff, a smirk forming on her lips as she watched her father’s
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Silent Resurgence
THE THREE of them sat in stunned silence, barely able to process the truth that had just been revealed on the news. Their mother was alive. As if her legs had turned to jelly, Cessair sank to the floor, her hands bracing for support, while Blanche leaned heavily against the wall, rendered speechless. Vixx nearly spilled the water she was drinking in shock. “What the hell is happening?” Blanche gasped, blinking as she struggled to absorb the whirlwind of information. They had been focused on gathering intel about the situation outside the Emerson building, and now they were confronted with the astonishing reality of their mother’s existence. But that wasn’t all—she had also revealed their identities to the world. “I... she... she’s alive?” Cessair stammered, swallowing hard against the lump in her throat. She clutched her neck, feeling a sudden tightness that made it hard to breathe. “My father…” She couldn’t finish the thought, her mind racing. All this time, s
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Surface Beneath
RECEIVING no updates on the whereabouts of Vixx, Blanche, and Cessair, the Director reached out to Yama, urging the search and rescue team in London to continue their efforts. There might still be an eyewitness who had seen the three of them. The situation was dire. The company's stock had plummeted, and the board of directors, driven by fear of financial loss, began to panic. It wasn’t surprising—many of them were more interested in their profits than the lives involved. With a sigh, the Director rubbed her temples, forcing herself to focus. This time, she needed a concrete plan. Lucien’s proposal had cast a glimmer of hope, guiding them toward a solution. Desmond had now joined Yama's team and was working closely with them to devise the strategy. Venus, still in shock from what she had witnessed, couldn't hide the disbelief in her expression. Astrid, noticing her state, scoffed slightly before addressing her. "You know, you can talk to your father
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Reckoning Blood
DETERMINED to save her sister, Blanche turned back toward the building, refusing to retreat with the team. She couldn’t leave without knowing for certain that her elder sister was safe. The thought of something happening to Cessair gnawed at her, and she knew she would never forgive herself if she didn’t try. Despite her injuries, Blanche managed to make her way down to the lower levels. But with no idea how much time remained before another bomb might detonate, doubt crept into her mind. Would she have enough time to reach her sister? "Cessair..." she whispered, her voice trembling with worry. Just as she took a deep breath and started down the corridor, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks. "Blanche!" She looked ahead, her eyes widening in shock. "Vixxen?" Confusion washed over her as her gaze shifted to the figure Vixx was supporting. "Cessair!" she exclaimed in relief. "We need to get out of here!" Vixx urged, tuggi
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Tides
UPON losing contact with the team, Astrid immediately commanded Desmond to proceed with Plan B. If anything went wrong, Desmond's priority was to rescue the team and ensure their safety. They needed to avoid any collateral damage at all costs, especially now, when everything was at stake. Alexis had left the apartment just before the opposition could storm the room. They were closing in, fully aware of their presence. It hadn’t been long since they’d arrived in London, using her late father's apartment as a temporary hideout. Their enemies had successfully infiltrated every branch of the Emerson family’s empire—from the pharmaceutical division to the main headquarters and even their mansion. All the intel was compromised. “Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!” Alexis muttered, her leg shaking in frustration. Right before her eyes, the Emerson headquarters had been obliterated in a massive explosion—and worst of all, Blanche was still inside. Aracelli clenched
