The private dining room on the top floor glittered with golden light.
The general manager had already ordered a thorough cleaning, even replacing the carpet. Under the crystal chandelier, the table was laden with delicacies, while fireworks bloomed outside the window. Before bowing and retreating, he bent low once more.
"Boss, our preparations were rushed. Please forgive any shortcomings."
Beads of sweat dotted his forehead.
Who could have predicted that two reckless fools would dare cut in line right in front of their own boss?
"It's fine." Sophia Sullivan tapped the table lightly with her fingertips. "You've managed White Tea Restaurant well. Now go revoke Liam Winston's membership."
Isabella Robinson lounged lazily in her chair, her red lips curving.
"Trash like him deserves a permanent ban. Acting like a rabid dog that doesn't understand human decency—disgusting."
The manager nodded vigorously. "Consider it done! I'll ensure they never set foot here again!"
Even without explicit orders, Liam's behavior today warranted a lifetime ban.
Sophia waved a dismissive hand. "Leave us. Post guards outside—no unwanted guests."
"Yes, Boss."
The door clicked shut.
Sophia placed a tender slice of Australian abalone onto Isabella's plate.
"On Monday, I'll visit the Sullivan family to teach Ethan's niece pottery."
Her gaze darkened. "Teaching a child is easy, but my mother's clues are tied to Mrs. Sullivan. She has Alzheimer's now—her memories are fragmented. She's in a high-security care facility with restricted access. I need to find a way in."
"Is that supposed to be difficult for you?" Isabella scoffed, scooping white truffle onto Sophia's plate.
"Reactivate The Nexus. Offer a bounty for top medical experts. Hack into the Sullivan system for internal files—they'll have more details."
Sophia chewed thoughtfully.
"Not a bad plan, but too risky."
She had considered it. But reviving The Nexus required massive funding and rebuilding her team.
"Activating the global system would take at least 100 million. Worse, it would alert old enemies. If assassin organizations catch wind, the fallout would be endless. I just want peace now—not a life on the run."
But The Nexus had to be revived.
It was her mentor's dying wish.
Isabella swirled her wineglass carelessly. "Money isn't an issue. I have it. 100 million? 200 million? Take what you need."
"Even if you dared give it, I wouldn't take it." Sophia smirked. "Your father would have a stroke."
"Actually... I have another idea." A sly glint flashed in her eyes. "The Sullivans are hiring a prestigious tutor—they should show sincerity. Ethan is a fat sheep waiting to be sheared. Why not take advantage?"
"100 million? You're bold!"
"Don't worry. He'll deliver it himself."
"Better be." Isabella dropped the subject. Money had never concerned her.
"Sophia, the assassin problem is trickier. How can I help?"
"I need the Robinson family to erase my overseas traces. Some places are beyond my reach—your influence works better there."
Isabella's eyes lit up. She raised her glass immediately.
"Leave it to me! I'll scrub everything clean! Anytime you need help, just ask—I hate being useless!"
Their glasses clinked with a crisp chime.
Gazing at the fireworks outside, Isabella suddenly sighed.
"Remember when we first met? You were all thorns—like a little sociopathic monster."
Yet that very "monster" had saved her without hesitation when she was in danger.
And so, she had clung to Sophia ever since.
A ripple of emotion crossed Sophia's eyes. "I grew up fending for myself. If not for my mentor, I'd have rotted on that deserted island."
The mood turned heavy.
Isabella shifted topics with a grin. "By the way, the International Parkour Competition is coming up. Want to blow off some steam?"
"Sure." Sophia nodded.
She did need to stretch her limbs.
Her thoughts drifted to Ethan, who pretended to be wheelchair-bound. That night in Potter's Town, the dangerous aura he'd exuded while fighting assassins had felt eerily familiar.
Not fear—excitement.
Like the adrenaline rush before a death-defying stunt.
Perhaps this was the magnetic pull between kindred spirits.