Chapter 120
Blanche froze when Eddy appeared out of nowhere, her nerves prickling with uncertainty–had he overheard their conversation just now?
But that photograph?
She’d never taken a single picture with Fernando
Blanche glanced at Fernando, noting the way he frowned, his sharp gaze locked on the photo in Eddy’s hand.
His reaction was so out of character–was the photo real?
She reached out and took it, her eyes widening in shock.
Whether she’d worked as a white–hat or a black–hat hacker, her safety always depended on staying anonymous. After being recruited by the Director–General, she’d gone off the grid completely, only leaving the base for missions.
This was the one time she’d ever been caught on camera–she was twenty, and it was during a rescue mission for Fernando.
She remembered it clearly; in two years of covert work, that was the only time she’d been seen in action.
Blanche’s hands shook as she flipped the photo over. On the back, in German, it read: “February 2019, Silverwood. The professor and the mysterious girl.”
Whoever took this must have known Fernando.
“Honey, when did you visit Silverwood? That’s Germany’s most secretive city. Weren’t you studying in France? And how do you know Professor Reese?” Eddy’s voice was gentle as ever, though his dark eyes seemed to see right through her.
The memory hit her full force–the explosion, her second mission to save Fernando. She’d only planned to extract Fernando, but when she arrived, there were two people instead of one.
Before, their enemies had only wanted to capture Fernando; that time, they meant to wipe him out completely, launching missiles at the building.
She’d intended to fake his death, to erase his trail entirely.
After that, Fernando was brought back to the base and stayed for a while.
Chapter 120
She had hacked the missile system, buying Fernando two precious seconds to escape before letting the signal go. The missile struck, fooling their pursuers into thinking he’d been obliterated.
But when she realized she’d have to save two people, there was no time to reprogram the system. She watched, helpless, as the other person was killed.
Her hand trembled with the photo, her voice thick, “We…”
“I used to teach at Laney’s university,” Fernando cut in. “There was a massive earthquake in Silverwood. Students volunteered for the rescue effort. This was taken just after she pulled me out of the rubble.”
The explosion–the so–called earthquake–was just a cover for the real attack..
Fernando’s explanation was calm.
“Is that true, honey?” Eddy stepped closer, noticing how shaken Blanche was. He pulled her into his arms; instead of looking guilty, she seemed simply heartbroken. “Yes,” Blanche whispered.
A tear slipped down her cheek. “So many lives lost.”
She tucked the photo into her purse, meeting Eddy’s gaze with steely resolve. “Were you investigating me?”
“Sweetheart, why would I ever do that?” Eddy replied smoothly. “I’ve been
I
coordinating a collaboration with the research institute. The PR team was preparing Professor Reese’s profile for our campaign, and they happened to find this photo.”
“Collaboration?” Blanche blinked in surprise.
“Our Al–designed pharmaceuticals project. I was wondering if The Simmons Group might still have a shot at working with your institute.” Eddy offered Fernando a handshake, all businesslike charm.
The Simmons Group had always been the institute’s top choice–accelerating drug development to serve society sooner.
Fernando understood he couldn’t let personal matters interfere with public good.
But there was no way this photo had been discovered “by accident.” He’d already instructed Felipa to destroy it that day. Eddy must have gotten his hands on it much earlier and was only now showing it to Laney.
21 40
Did Eddy already suspect Laney’s real Identity?
Fernando took Eddy’s hand. “Of course. The Simmons Group remains our first–choice partner–as long as you’re willing.”
Blanche wasn’t sure why Eddy had suddenly let things slide, and she felt a vaguel unease, but she was also relieved. The Al drug project needed massive early. investment and, later, large–scale manufacturing. The Simmons Group’s biotech factories were unmatched.
“Honey, why didn’t you tell me you two already knew each other?” Eddy’s handshake tightened, his eyes cold.
“It’s been years–we didn’t recognize each other,” Fernando replied evenly.
Their eyes locked, neither backing down. Their handshake grew so fierce that their knuckles turned red and the veins on their hands stood out.
Blanche, seeing the silent contest between them, stepped forward and linked her arm through Eddy’s. “The kids must have finished their checkup. Let’s go see
them.”
Finally, they broke apart. Blanche stayed close to Eddy, who allowed himself a smug little smile. “Our business team will be in touch with your institute about the partnership.”
“I look forward to it,” Fernando said quietly, his gaze lingering on Blanche’s hand resting on Eddy’s arm.
Noticing the glance, Eddy tightened his grip, intertwining his fingers with Blanche’s, his mood unmistakably buoyant. “See you soon.”
Just then, Hugo Black led out the two children. The doctor assured them both were perfectly fine.
Chapter 121
