Chapter 120

Vanessa Knight stepped out of the shower, water droplets trickling down her hair. She towel-dried it roughly, her mind replaying that nightmare over and over.

"What a fool I was," she muttered through gritted teeth.

Oliver Knight, that scumbag, had destroyed her entire family just for a woman like Lily Green—someone with no loyalty. The image of her father dying in despair and her mother too ill to afford treatment flashed in her mind. Her nails dug into her palms.

"Not this time. I won’t make the same mistake again."

She took a deep breath and pushed open the bathroom door, just as Lucy White sat up from the couch.

"Why’d you sleep out here?" Vanessa asked, forcing a light tone.

Lucy rubbed her eyes. "Didn’t want to kick you."

"Feeling better?" Lucy asked, concern lacing her voice.

Vanessa gave a relieved smile. "I’ve figured it out. A scumbag and a gold-digger—they deserve each other. I should be glad I saw his true colors early."

She suddenly pulled Lucy into a hug. "Thanks for staying with me last night."

"Don’t mention it. That’s what best friends are for."

They exchanged a knowing smile, warmth passing between them. Vanessa silently swore to herself—this time, she’d protect the people who truly cared for her.

The rehearsal room pulsed with deafening music.

"Stop!" Lucy clapped her hands. "The third section isn’t synced. Again."

Sweat dripped down the trainees’ faces, but no one complained. With the live performance tomorrow, everyone was on edge.

At lunch break, Lucy announced, "Rest up this afternoon. Save your energy."

The trainees cheered and dispersed. Ethan Smith approached her. "Want to grab lunch?"

"Sure," Lucy agreed easily.

The private restaurant was tucked away in an alley, its antique decor exuding quiet elegance.

"The braised pork here is legendary," Ethan said, placing a piece in her bowl.

The meat melted on her tongue. Lucy’s eyes lit up. "It’s amazing!"

Ethan smirked. "Knew you’d like it."

Just then, his phone rang. After the call, his expression darkened. "Hanks messed up."

Lucy set down her chopsticks, unsurprised. "Let’s check it out?"

"Let’s go."

They left quickly, switching to a taxi as Ethan’s assistant drove off.

The rundown neighborhood flickered under dim streetlights.

Ethan pulled out two masks from his bag. "Better wear these. Public figures can’t be too careful."

Lucy took the red one, teasing, "You came prepared."

"Of course. For you, I always do." His voice held a smile as he adjusted his own mask.

Avoiding surveillance, they slipped silently into the complex.

"Hanks is up ahead," Ethan whispered.

Lucy suddenly grabbed his arm. "Wait. Something’s off."

A chill ran down her spine. Ethan immediately understood, and they slowed their steps.

"Still owe you for saving my life," he murmured.

Lucy chuckled. "You keeping score, Mr. Smith?"

"For you? Always." His tone turned serious.

Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly changed the subject. "You said you remembered more?"

"Yeah." His gaze deepened. "When the time’s right, I’ll tell you everything."

"Always so cryptic." She rolled her eyes but didn’t press further.

At the scene, Hanks paced anxiously. Spotting them, he rushed over. "He got away, but left this."

He handed over a yellowed talisman with eerie symbols.

The moment Lucy touched it, a sharp pain shot through her fingers. Her face paled. "It’s a trap!"

Thick fog erupted around them. Ethan yanked her behind him. "Stay close!"

From the mist, a sinister voice laughed. "Finally, Master Lucy…"