The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 217: Ch : I have a request - Part 2

’I have this uncomfortable feeling in my chest. What is going on? It...feels like jealousy. But surely not...’

Selene coughed softly, trying to draw Heera Dew’s attention back to her.

But the girl didn’t even flinch.

Her gaze remained locked onto Ethan, her eyes practically boring holes into him with an intensity that was starting to make Selene’s skin crawl.

Selene’s jaw clenched as something in her chest twisted uncomfortably.

Her grip on her emotions was slipping, and she felt an unfamiliar heat rise inside her.

She bit her lip, trying to stay composed, but the longer Heera ignored her, the harder it became.

’What the hell is wrong with her? Why does Heera Dew keep looking at Ethan. He is good-looking, but still...’

Selene’s mind was racing.

Ethan shifted beside her, clearly sensing the tension in the air.

He kept his posture calm, but Selene knew him well enough to see the slight stiffness in his shoulders and the amusement in his eyes.

Selene tried again, her voice a little sharper this time.

"Miss Dew."

She said, but Heera didn’t even blink.

Her eyes stayed glued to Ethan.

That was the last straw.

Selene’s patience snapped.

BANG.

Her fist slammed down on the table, the sound echoing through the quiet, upscale restaurant.

The silverware rattled, and a few nearby patrons glanced their way with curious eyes.

The sudden noise startled not just Heera but also Ethan. Selene herself felt a brief flicker of surprise at her own outburst.

But the moment Heera’s gaze finally snapped away from Ethan and landed on Selene, the knot of frustration in Selene’s chest loosened—just a little.

"Why did you send me a message asking for help?"

Selene said, her voice low but laced with barely contained irritation.

Her words hung heavy in the air.

Heera blinked, finally seeming to register Selene’s presence.

For a moment, the girl looked genuinely confused, as if she’d forgotten why they were there in the first place. But then, just as quickly, her expression shifted.

A small, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.

Selene’s eyes narrowed.

"I need protection. There have been... threats. I believe someone is after my life."

Heera said, her tone cool and composed now. She leaned back in her seat, her demeanor suddenly more confident—almost snobbish.

Selene’s gaze hardened as she studied the girl. The sudden shift in her attitude wasn’t lost on her.

A moment ago, Heera had looked like a nervous, obsessed fan. Now, she was sitting there like a spoiled princess making demands.

"Protection?"

Selene repeated, her tone carefully neutral.

"Yes."

Heera’s eyes flickered to Ethan again, and Selene noticed how her body language shifted ever so slightly.

The tension in her shoulders eased, and her lips curved into a subtle, almost inviting smile.

Selene’s fingers curled into a fist under the table.

"Why us?"

Selene asked, her voice steady, but her emotions were anything but calm.

"I’ve done my research and you two have a...record. I want to hire two."

Heera said casually, but her eyes never left Ethan.

Selene’s mind was already racing. She tried to recall anything from her past life that involved Heera Dew or a situation like this. But there was nothing.

In her previous life, XXX Corporation had been taken over by the president’s illegitimate son after the president’s sudden death. There had been no mention of a daughter. Not at the funeral. Not in any of the corporate takeovers.

’She was never part of the picture.’

Selene’s blood ran cold as a grim realization hit her.

’Heera Dew was likely eliminated before she could become a threat.’

It all started to make sense now. The sudden change in Heera’s demeanor, the desperate request for protection...

Selene’s instincts screamed at her. This was dangerous.

"Selene."

Ethan’s voice was quiet, but it pulled her back to the present.

Selene’s mind was made up.

"I’m sorry. We can’t accept this job."

She said, her tone firm as she stood up.

Ethan blinked, but he didn’t argue. He trusted Selene’s judgment, even if he didn’t fully understand why she was backing out.

But just as they turned to leave, Heera’s voice rang out, laced with desperation.

"Wait!" free𝑤ebnovel.com

Selene paused but didn’t turn around.

"I’ll give you anything. Whatever it takes. Just... don’t leave."

Heera said, her voice softer now, almost pleading.

Selene’s jaw tightened, but before she could respond, Ethan spoke.

"Anything?"

His tone was calm, but there was a sharp edge beneath it.

Selene’s heart skipped a beat.

"Yes."

Heera’s eyes locked onto Ethan’s, and for a moment, her desperation was palpable.

"I can offer... resources. Dungeon materials. Information. Whatever you want."

Selene’s eyes narrowed. Dungeon resources.

That was no small offer. High-tier dungeon materials could mean the difference between life and death in their line of work. And considering Heera’s connection to XXX Corporation, she had access to things that most people couldn’t even dream of.

Selene felt a flicker of hesitation.

But then she noticed something.

When Heera made that offer, her eyes weren’t focused on Selene.

They were locked onto Ethan.

Of course.

Selene’s stomach twisted again, and she suddenly felt even more uneasy. This wasn’t just about hiring them for protection. Heera had an ulterior motive.

Selene spoke before Ethan could say anything.

"We don’t work for just anyone. And we definitely don’t work for people who don’t tell us the whole truth."

She said, her tone cool and detached now.

"Selene—"

Ethan started, but she shook her head, her gaze never leaving Heera.

"Why us, really?"

Selene asked, her voice calm but deadly serious.

Heera’s lips pressed together, but she didn’t answer.

That was all the confirmation Selene needed.

"Come on, Ethan."

Selene said quietly, her decision final.

But before they could take another step, Heera’s voice echoed again, this time more determined.

"I’ll give you everything. Just... please. Don’t leave me alone."

She said softly, her gaze locked onto Ethan’s.

Selene’s fingers twitched, and she had to fight the urge to drag Ethan out of there.

This was no ordinary commission.

And something told her that whatever they were about to get involved in...

It was far more dangerous than they realized.