Chapter 145

Hunter Wilde's eyes widened in shock.

"Wait!" His voice cracked. "That crazy woman is the same little girl from back then?"

Lucy White sighed softly, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup.

"Correct." She met Hunter's gaze. "The karmic thread between you two runs deep. That's how I was able to trace it."

She paused before dropping another bombshell. "And that car accident when you were sixteen."

Hunter's face paled.

"The one that nearly killed you," Lucy continued quietly, "was orchestrated by one of her toxic admirers."

"The man was jealous of your special place in her heart. When he couldn't uncover your background, he hired someone to stage a drunk-driving accident."

Hunter's knuckles turned white as his fists clenched.

Lucy went on, "Your family later identified the culprit, but he took his secret to the grave—never revealing her involvement. You've been kept in the dark all this time."

A vein pulsed at Hunter's temple.

"Goddammit..." he growled through gritted teeth. "I should've let her drown back then!"

That accident had left him bedridden for over half a year—the memory still sent chills down his spine.

"Master Lucy," he pressed urgently, "how do I break this peach-blossom hex?"

Lucy pondered for a moment. "Do you have a photo of her?"

Hunter immediately pulled out his phone and scrolled through the woman's social media.

"All heavily edited," he scoffed in disdain.

Lucy took the phone, her fingers gliding across the screen.

Suddenly, her brow furrowed.

"She has blood on her hands," Lucy's voice turned icy. "And she's bullied numerous people."

Hunter inhaled sharply.

"I suggest you investigate," Lucy handed the phone back. "Send her to prison where she belongs."

Hunter's eyes flashed with determination. "My thoughts exactly!"

Then a realization struck him, darkening his expression further. "Those two girls who used to pursue me..."

Lucy gave a slight nod.

Hunter slammed his fist onto the coffee table.

"However..." Lucy shifted gears, "even if she's imprisoned, your romantic doom remains."

She produced three divination coins. "Blow on them three times."

Hunter complied immediately.

As the coins landed, Lucy's frown deepened.

"This is complicated." She retrieved cinnabar and yellow parchment. "First, I'll prepare a protective charm for you."

Her brush moved with fluid precision, leaving Hunter and his companions awestruck.

The moment the talisman was completed, a golden glimmer seemed to flash across its surface.

"Keep this on you at all times," Lucy instructed, handing him the folded charm. "Do not let it leave your person these next few days."

Hunter solemnly tucked it into his inner pocket.

That evening, Lucy received a call from Hugo Shaw.

"Master Lucy!" Hugo's excited voice crackled through the phone. "We found them!"

Lucy's lips curved slightly. "Who?"

"The Powell family's adopted sons!" Hugo spat venomously. "Disgusting bastards!"

Lucy wasn't surprised.

The Powells had been playing a long game.

"Use the evidence to force the divorces," Lucy advised. "If that fails, go public."

Hugo's laugh was cold. "Perfect timing to drag the Powell name through the mud!"

After hanging up, Lucy gazed at the moonlit sky outside her window.

This game of chess had only just begun.