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My head spun as the world shook. Fear tightened my chest as I read the message over again.
The night of Tuesday, July 27, 2022. What happened… She knew… Who the fuck was this, Judy?
That was enough for me to stop work, and close for the day.
I clenched my fist as everything rushed through me at once. Anger followed by sadness were the two emotions I felt strongly.
The walk to my car was a blur. Fuck, the drive to the mansion was a blur.
There was someone beside me that knew the aftermath of the incident.
This was getting worse, and at this rate, Evie would only be collateral damage.
We had to find her and fast. I pushed past the mansion doors, unable to respond to the chef’s greeting.
Fuck. I’d anticipated that karma would strike, but I didn't expect it to be this.
The ordeal of that night was one to remain unsaid.
I ascended the stairs and almost froze when I saw her.
I’d caused much harm, and there would still be more to be caused if I didn't act fast.
“Welcome home,” she greeted.
I couldn't reply. Not with the guilt and sadness sinking my chest.
“You... look exhausted.” Concern was written over her face, but I didn’t deserve it—a selfish bastard like me didn't deserve it.
“Move aside,” I gritted, shutting my eyes briefly. She was going to be collateral damage… I just couldn't let that happen.
She looked taken aback.
“Let me remind you, Miss Norman, you're here for Sophie, not me. So I suggest you focus on your work for the remaining time you'll be here.”
My voice came out painfully hard as I held her gaze. “Now, move aside.”
thirty-four
Evie
Maxwell shifted in his chair beside me as we watched a drone simulation in the quality control laboratory.
It was one of the few times I actually got to work with Maxwell.
The code for the drones was mostly completed, so there wasn’t any need to review anything. But now they were working on a few final codes and needed my attention. I was trying to give it to them.
I watched—forced myself to watch—the simulation as it played.
This time, it was different from the last. The drone was performing a civilian evacuation.
It was a new improvement. Tall, animated buildings, narrow streets, and a central designated area hummed, signifying the evacuation zone in front of me.
Animated civilians in bright red clothing were spread across the digital area. Some were clustered together, while others were everywhere.
It was the aftermath of an explosion.
As the drone guided civilians from the scene of chaos to the designated area, I checked for alignment with evacuation protocols.
