Chapter 147

That was a cruel response. The woman gritted her teeth, but she was powerless. It was clear this man was not to be trifled with. Since he showed no interest in her, she could only watch them leave, hand in hand.

Emma's contributions to the Pharmaceutical Medical Association quickly gained international recognition. Her research on ancient microorganisms earned her a prestigious award. Simultaneously, Grail's revealed identity prompted numerous domestic and international media outlets to seek interviews. Wishing for peace and quiet, Emma reported to Charon Military School as soon as possible.

“Emma, why are you still going to the military academy? Why the front lines when you could enjoy life with your husband?” Josiah asked, confused, over the phone.

Emma replied, “Am I foolish? Why would I abandon a good life to seek trouble in a hail of bullets?”

“Then why Charon Military School?” Josiah pressed.

“Many eyes are on me now. Charon is the safest place,” Emma explained.

“Is that the only reason?”

“There's another important reason,” she answered.

“What reason?”

Emma paused. “I’m not telling you!”

“Hey! Don’t be so mean,” Josiah protested.

Emma reached Charon Military School's door, still on the phone. She was finally here, ready to uncover the truth behind Justine's death. She glanced at her watch; her appointment with Lane was now. Lane should have arrived. In fact, another reason brought her to Charon—her most important identity: the top-tier assassin, Phantom. Studying at Charon would lessen speculation surrounding her true identity.

She hung up and saw Lane waiting. “Miss Wilson! Let's go register!”

Lane's strength made Charon's selection process easy. Emma facilitated the transfer of Lane's Charon credits to Vark College. In her previous life, Lane had been unable to join the organization due to a lack of professional training. Now, Emma believed Lane would become her most reliable comrade after training at Charon, just like Justine.

“Miss Wilson, what are you thinking about?” Lane asked, noticing Emma's pensive expression after submitting the registration form.

Emma shook her head. “Nothing.” The thought of Justine brought a wave of sadness.

After bidding Lane farewell, Emma walked alone, hearing a familiar voice at a mall entrance. “Nigel, who is she?”

Emma looked up. Ida McKinney's eyes were red, a stark contrast to their usual cheerful sparkle. A tall, thin boy in a gray shirt and black-framed glasses held a girl's hand. He said impatiently, “Anna is my girlfriend! Stop bothering us, or I’ll hit you.”

Ida gritted her teeth. “If she’s your girlfriend, what am I? You said you liked me online.”

Nigel Brooks looked panicked. “What are you talking about, crazy woman? How could I like you?”

“Anna, let’s go!” Nigel pulled Anna away, Anna showing blatant disregard for Ida.

Emma stepped forward, arms crossed. “Stop right there!”

Ida's spirits lifted at the sound of Emma’s voice. “Emma?”

Emma stood beside Ida. “Is this the boy you met online?”

Nigel was struck by Emma's beauty. Compared to the average Nigel, Ida, and Anna, Emma's innate radiance surpassed even female celebrities. Her noble and cold aura instantly dominated the scene. Anna, noticing Nigel's reaction, bristled. “Who do you think you are? Mind your own business!”

“Shut up,” Emma said coldly. “This is between this jerk and Ida. It’s none of your concern!”

Anna fell silent. Ida wept.

Emma grasped the situation: Nigel had been flirting with Ida online while in a relationship, and Ida had believed him. Now he wanted to end things.

“Find your chat history with him and show it to his girlfriend,” Emma instructed.

Ida, sobbing, scrolled through the messages. Anna's fury erupted upon reading the overtly flirtatious and deceitful messages from Nigel. He’d clearly been messaging many women.

Anna stormed off, kicking Nigel's leg. He attempted to follow, but Emma intervened. She effortlessly broke his finger.

Nigel cried out in pain, begging for mercy. Emma looked down with contempt. “Apologize to Ida.”

Nigel, reluctantly, mumbled an apology. Emma insisted on a louder, more sincere apology, demanding he acknowledge his lies and his deplorable actions. His forced confession drew attention from passersby, solidifying his image as a thoughtless jerk.