Chapter 38
“Love is supposed to be a mutual pursuit, right?” Nash asked, his smile playful.
Hera blinked in surprise. “What does ‘mutual pursuit’ mean?”
Nash scratched his head, a bit sheepish. “I’ve never been in a relationship, so I’m not really sure. I guess it means you like me, and I like you too?”
Hera chuckled softly. “You do make me feel something different. Even though we’ve only just met, having you by my side gives me a sense of security. Maybe that’s what it feels like to like someone?”
Nash smirked. “Well, that’s a good start. Once the old man gets his memory back, we can just go ahead and get married!”
“And what about you? How do you feel about me?” Hera’s face lit up, her expression warm and inviting.
Nash hesitated for a moment, then spoke from the heart. “I want to protect you.”
It was simple, but those five words hit Hera deeply, like honey dripping into her heart. The image of Nash saving her and Skadi flashed in her mind, reminding her of that profound sense of security she felt whenever he was near.
She smiled sweetly, her voice soft. “It’s getting late. You should rest. I’m going to sleep too.”
“Goodnight,” Nash replied, his voice laced with affection as he hung up the phone.
He placed the phone on the pillow, donned the mask, and silently slipped out the window.
Cain’s villa, one of the three owned by the Lewis family, was just as secure as the others. Inside his study, he yawned and placed a stack of books back on the shelf. Then, he headed for his bedroom, ready to call it a night.
As soon as he entered, he flipped on the lights and closed the door behind him. He walked toward his bed, intending to settle in for the night.
But then he froze.
A masked figure stood by the window, unmoving.
Cain’s heart skipped a beat. Panic surged through him as he spun around, bolting for the door. His hand gripped the handle, but before he could twist it open, a swoosh of air cut through the room.
He turned, his breath catching in his throat.
A red dagger had embedded itself in the door next to his ear, a mere inch away from his face.
Cain’s legs weakened, and his voice trembled as he stammered, “Who… who are you?”
This person had bypassed the Lewis security system and entered his room without making a sound. Whoever they were, they were not ordinary. Cain could feel his pulse pounding in his ears.
He hadn’t done anything to provoke this kind of attack. Who was this person? Was it someone hired by Hugo Zabinski?
The masked figure stepped forward, their voice cold and threatening. “Why did you harm Herman?”
Cain’s eyes darted away from the figure, unable to meet their piercing gaze. “L… I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” he said, his voice shaking.
The masked figure narrowed their eyes, stepping closer. “You had the nanny inject Herman with a biochemical agent. Where did that agent come from?”
Cain’s gaze shifted uneasily. “What agent? I… I really don’t understand what you’re saying!”
Nash’s voice dropped to a low, menacing tone. “This syringe contains cancer cells and a catalyst. One night with it, and you’ll go from a normal man to someone with late-stage cancer.”
Cain’s face drained of color. He stumbled back, his body trembling. “You… stay away…” he pleaded, panic rising in his chest.
He knew all too well what such an agent could do. Herman had been saved by Nash, but Cain wasn’t sure he could escape the same fate.
The masked figure moved even closer, their sneer evident even through the mask. “You’ve been warned. This is your last chance to come clean.”
At that moment, Cain’s mind raced. “You… You’re one of them…” His voice faltered, panic overtaking him. “You won’t even let me go?”
Nash stood still, his eyes cold and calculating. “You’ve already crossed a line, Cain. Now, you’ll pay for it.”