Chapter 157

“Marie is such an idiot!” Riley thought. “I told her not to use those tricks. She refused to listen, and now it’s all messed up. Whatever! She asked for it.”

Meanwhile, at the Icovine Estate, Liam avoided the empty bedroom when Emma was away, often working late in his study.

“Mr. Hall, this is the latest news on Daley,” Levi reported.

Liam had been searching for Daley, a notorious assassin, for some time. Months ago, after returning from Hall Villa, a top-tier killer had infiltrated the estate. Liam had finally uncovered a lead.

“Where is he?” Liam demanded.

Levi frowned. “He was in Troln City, but recent reports place him overseas.”

Liam clenched his fists. Daley may have abandoned his previous assassination attempt, but his familiarity with Icovine Estate remained a threat. Liam wouldn't let him go.

“Continue searching. Find him, even overseas,” Liam instructed.

“Yes,” Levi affirmed. “There’s something else. It concerns Emma.”

Liam’s expression changed instantly. “Emma?”

“She recently applied to Charon Military School but was rejected. Mr. Rivera later intervened,” Levi explained.

“Richard?” Liam asked.

Levi nodded. Richard, Emma’s uncle, had helped secure her admission. While relieved, Liam couldn't understand Emma's decision to attend. She claimed it was for skill development, but he suspected otherwise.

“How did Emma fare at school?” Liam inquired.

Levi relayed Emma’s recent activities, omitting her unauthorized access to the school archives. Lacking surveillance on Emma, his information was incomplete, and her intentions remained unclear. He then recalled Yolanda’s private conversation with Emma before Liam entered the dilapidated building that day. He hadn’t heard clearly, but a name, "Justine," seemed to resonate. Emma’s pale, cold expression that day lingered in his memory. He hadn't pressed her, yet suspected a connection to her enrollment at Charon.

Liam pondered, then instructed, “Send someone to keep an eye on Emma. Provide assistance if needed.”

“Yes, Mr. Hall,” Levi replied.

After Levi’s departure, Liam gazed out at the night. “Emma, what exactly are you investigating?” he mused.

That night, Emma experienced a nightmare. She relived falling from the wooden bridge during the competition, but instead of a sandpit, it was a bottomless abyss. The shock jolted her awake. A message then arrived:

Josiah: [Boss, I’ve sent you Rielle’s cousin’s information. Check it out.]

Wiping sweat from her brow, Emma checked the time. The gathering point wasn't far. She ran to the training field, her breath catching in her chest. Even as a top competitor, she pushed herself relentlessly, preparing for the year-end Krot Competition.

Unbeknownst to her, a group observed her pre-dawn training. A high-ranking official patrolling Charon Military School noticed her. “Who is she?” he asked.

The principal smiled. “Our new student, Emma Wilson. Mr. Rivera’s niece!”

“I see!” The official was pleased. “Excellent! Train her well. Don’t waste her talent.”

“Yes, yes…” the principal agreed.

After a day of training, Emma returned to her dorm. She shared water chestnuts with her classmates, then saw a reply from Rielle’s cousin: [Hello, Emma. I participated in the Kort Competition. I’m leaving Troln City tomorrow night. We can meet tomorrow.]

Emma immediately requested a leave of absence. The next day, she met Blanche. She also informed Richard of her discovery.

Meanwhile, Liam learned from Levi that Emma had left school.

“Send more people. Ensure her safety,” Liam commanded. He was meticulous. Whatever Emma was investigating, the individual behind it was clearly significant.

Levi promptly deployed surveillance to secretly protect Emma.

Emma and Blanche met at a coffee shop. Blanche matched her description: small eyes, a mole near her eye, and wearing a sky-blue top.

“My cousin said you’re impressive. You broke the monthly exam record. Congratulations.” Blanche, while above average at Charon, hadn’t quite met the Krot Competition's standard.

Emma smiled, then produced a photograph. “Miss Smith, do you know this girl?”

Blanche examined the photo. The girl possessed naturally curly black hair, large eyes, and long eyelashes—a striking appearance unusual at the military school.

Blanche recognized her instantly. “Yes! I’ve seen her.”

Emma’s eyes brightened. “Really?”

“Yes,” Blanche confirmed. “She was quite famous. Justine, I think? Very beautiful, naturally curly hair. Many instructors were skeptical, but her looks and grades overshadowed that.”

Emma contained her excitement. “Were there any coaches or students she clashed with?”

Blanche frowned. “I can’t recall, but training at Charon is always rigorous.”

“She participated in the Krot Competition,” Emma pressed. “Do you remember?”

Blanche considered. “I… I’m not sure. Different classes. Many participants; it's hard to recall.”

Emma understood the scale of the competition; it would be easy to miss someone.

As she prepared to ask another question, an unknown number sent a threatening message: [If you don’t want Blanche to die, stop asking!]