Not A Small-Town Girl

Fiona’s body curled up as she trembled uncontrollably.

"Break every bone in her body," Nathan ordered, his voice devoid of emotion.

Gripping an iron rod, the mercenary dragged it along the concrete floor. The screech of metal against stone sent shivers down one’s spine. He approached Fiona and swung the rod down hard on her leg.

The basement echoed with a piercing, agonizing scream. Fiona’s body convulsed in pain as her vision blurred, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness.

But she gritted her teeth, knowing all too well what would happen if she let herself slip away—she would be doused with freezing water to snap her back to reality.

The blows continued until the mercenary had shattered every bone in her body before Fiona finally passed out.

"Wake her up," Nathan commanded.

A bucket of ice-cold water poured over Fiona. Her body spasmed uncontrollably, and never before had death seemed so tempting.

"Pull out her teeth, cut off her tongue, and gouge her eyes," Nathan instructed, smoothing his suit before turning to leave.

As he walked down the corridor, the haunting wails from the basement echoed behind him, and the pungent smell of blood hung heavily in the air.

*****

At Locke Manor, Cheryl stood before a floor-to-ceiling window with a glass of red wine.

"Ms. Locke, Danielle is the daughter of the Darling family who went missing eighteen years ago," Quentin reported. "She was raised in Bane Springs and only recently reunited with the Darling family. They haven’t announced it publicly yet.

"But Danielle isn’t just anyone. She’s the founder of Grace Group, the designer known as Isla, and the artist who goes by Chimera. She’s also an honorary professor at Moreno University. The school recently announced the appointment.

"Moreover, her medical skills are exceptional. I’ve heard she personally performed surgery on Mr. Logan Charrington. A short while ago, she accompanied Mr. Charrington to Mithland to visit his grandmother. It seems Danielle was instrumental in her recovery and discharge from the hospital."

Cheryl’s face darkened as she stared into the night. "How could someone who grew up in a poor village achieve all that? Keep digging."

’Now that the biological daughter of the Darling family is back, Audrey must be in a precarious position. That fool had always dreamed of marrying David. Well, she might prove useful as a pawn,’ Cheryl thought with a smirk.

"Yes, Ms. Locke." Quentin’s gaze lingered on Cheryl, his eyes brimming with unspoken affection.

Cheryl set her wine glass on the table and lay prone on the sofa. "Give me a massage," she demanded.

Quentin knelt beside her, his hands working gently over her shoulders, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"Don’t even entertain the idea." Cheryl shut her eyes and relaxed into the massage; her cold words cut him deep.

It seemed like Quentin was used to Cheryl treating him this way. He remained stoic and simply said, "Alright."

*****

At the Treeside Villa, Danielle changed into a sleek, black outfit and slipped a backpack over her shoulders. She then leaped from the second-floor window.

Moving swiftly through the gates, she slid into a waiting car.

"Here’s your mask, Ms. Darling," Emery said, handing her a fox mask. "An urgent meeting has been scheduled. I don’t know what they’re planning." His tone was serious.

Danielle leaned back and closed her eyes. Although she had founded Black Web, several factions had since joined, bringing both talent and funding. "We’ll know soon enough," she replied.

"Miss Darling, about our recruitment this year, should we make the entry test a little easier? No one has passed the assessment in three consecutive years." Emery let out a sigh. Even with all the talent at Black Web, they still needed new blood.

With her eyes closed, Danielle said plainly, "We don’t need trash."

’Miss Darling, do you hear what you’re saying? Everyone is trash compared to you. Anyone who can pass the test you set must be a genius,’ Emery thought.