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Chapter 159

Chapter 159

Adrian Kael.

The group look at each other. The tension changes: it is no longer contempt; it is calculation. Navarro rubs his chin thoughtfully.

“Hmm… If it’s true, that’s another conversation. But let’s confirm it.”

“Confirm it,” I say quickly. “I just don’t want you to leave me alone when he comes back. Please.”

Navarro exhales, steps back, and gives a short nod.

“Very well. If what you say is true, we can keep you around. But if it’s a lie, you’ll wish you never opened your mouth.”

“I understand,” I reply quietly.

“Now get out of here before someone sees you.”

“Thank you,” I say quietly, turning quickly.

The cold of the snow no longer burns as much as their stares piercing my back. It’s not an alliance, just a glimmer of hope.

That’s enough for now.

The hallway back seems shorter. The light from the windows doesn’t warm me, but it guides me.

Halfway there, I stop to gather my thoughts. I need to repeat the scene tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and as

many times as necessary.

Proximity without asking too much.

Knowing when to stay and when to leave.

Avoiding looks that show too much fear.

Avoiding looks that provoke.

“Adrian.” The voice cuts through my thoughts.

I turn abruptly. David is standing behind me.

“Yes?” I ask, confused.

“The director wants you in his office.”

My eyes widen, the air stuck in my lungs.

“What? Why?”

He shrugs, as if it were just another order.

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Chapter 159

“I don’t know. He just told me to get you.”

I nod slowly, swallowing hard. I walk beside him, the silence heavy, until his voice breaks the pause,

“How did the negotiation with Navarro go?”

A brief smile escapes me.

“It went well… I think. Maybe they’ll confirm with you.”

David laughs softly, hoarsely.

“Of course they will.”

I look at my hands, trying to control my anxiety, before facing him again.

“I promised them drugs.”

David stops, frowning.

“What?”

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I let out a sigh, as if there were no alternative but to confess.

“My father has corrupt contacts at the police station. I’ve seen them doing drugs together. He can get whatever he needs and bribe drivers to

deliver it here.”

A mischievous smile appears on David’s face as he shakes his head.

“Okay… Count on me if you need anything.”

I return his smile briefly.

“Thanks.”

We walk to the heavy office door. David knocks twice and steps aside to let me in. The director is behind his desk, his expression stern, the phone in front of him. His eyes follow me, measuring my every step.

“Kael.” He speaks curtly. “Your father wants to talk to you.”

I freeze. For a moment I don’t understand, but when I hear the voice on the other end of the line, something inside me ignites. I feel my face change without realizing it; the principal looks at me in surprise, as if he had caught me doing something forbidden. I force a slight smile and calmly pick up the phone.

“Dad.” My voice comes out low, trembling, almost gentle. “I’m fine.”

His heavy breathing echoes through the line.

“Are you sure? Are you certain?”

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Chapter 159

“Yes,” I answer quickly, keeping my tone soft. “You don’t need to worry.”

A short silence.

“What about that? Have you sorted it out?”

My mouth goes dry. I run my tongue over my lips and hesitate, letting the pause speak for me,

The smile doesn’t fade.

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“Not yet.”

The principal shifts uncomfortably in his chair, looking away, as if he’s seen too much. I hold the phone firmly, lowering my voice even more.

“But I’ll take care of it.”

On the other end, my father sighs heavily, filled with silent confidence.

“Do what needs to be done.”

“I know. And I will.” I say in a low, firm tone before handing back the phone.

When I look up, the director is still staring at me tensely, as if trying to understand the change I couldn’t hide. I just smile politely, as if nothing had happened. He clears his throat, his voice firmer.

“Your father asked us to arrange a cell for you. I imagine you want to stay away from the Executor, right?”

A small smile escapes me, and I nod in confirmation.

“Yes, sir.”

The warden sighs and looks away.

“I’ll arrange for a new cell.”

“Thank you, warden.” I try to sound relieved. “And I’m sorry about that. My father tends to be dramatic.” I roll my eyes slightly, as if it were a

family trait.

He straightens up.

“I understand. You can go now.”

I nod and leave the room. Outside, David is waiting for me.

“Everything okay?” he asks, studying my expression.

I smile, agreeing.

“Yes. Everything’s fine. My father is very concerned.”

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Chapter 159

David chuckles softly.

“Very much so.”

He narrows his eyes, curious,

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“But tell me… why are you here, anyway?” He asks in a tone that is more interested than malicious.

1 let out a long sigh.

“I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The words come out as the memory floods back, cruel and vivid: the damp alley, the rotten smell of fresh blood, a corpse lying on the ground, eyes open, staring into space. The congressman’s son on his knees, hands stained, feigning despair as if he were the perfect victim.

“A congressman’s son killed a guy in an alley, and I… by bad luck, I was passing by.”

The sound of sirens buzzes in my mind again. Red and blue lights reflecting off the filthy walls. Then he throws himself at me, his weight crushing me, his shrill voice spitting out lies.

“He threw himself at me, screaming that I was trying to kill him. That bastard.”

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my voice down. Inside, the taste is sour. Deep in my memory, anger pulses like a hidden blade.

I should have stuck my fingers down his throat, silenced the lie right there, and ended the charade.

“My father tried to bribe everyone, but he didn’t want to tarnish his image. In the end, nothing worked. I got five years.”

David grimaces, shaking his head slowly.

“Damn… that’s bad luck.”

I agree in a whisper.