The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 220: Ch : Now, tell me the truth- Part 2

Selene followed Heera out of the bathroom, her eyes sharp and alert.

She walked a few steps behind, watching the way Heera’s expression shifted the moment her eyes landed on Ethan.

The sour look she’d worn moments ago melted away, replaced by an almost sickening brightness as she skipped toward him.

"Ethan! How do I look?"

Heera called out cheerfully, her voice slightly higher than usual. She twirled a little as she stopped in front of him.

Ethan barely glanced at her, his expression neutral.

"You blend in well."

He said politely, his tone flat.

It was a polite, empty response.

But Heera’s eyes lit up like he’d just complimented her looks.

Selene clenched her jaw, forcing herself to take a deep breath as she caught up with them.

’Calm down. She’s not worth it.’

Before Heera could ask Ethan anything else, Selene stepped between them.

"The bill’s paid."

Selene said, her tone curt, cutting off whatever Heera was about to say next.

Heera blinked, her cheerful demeanor faltering.

"Oh..."

She glanced away, looking slightly embarrassed.

"I... I should’ve paid for that."

She murmured, shifting uncomfortably.

Selene’s lips curled into a sharp, knowing smile.

"Don’t worry! You will be paying for it. I’m adding the cost to your reward."

She said coolly.

Heera’s eyes widened.

"Wait, what?"

"Nothing’s free, Heera. Especially not when you’re hiring us to protect your life. Consider it part of the package"

Selene said, crossing her arms.

Heera flushed, her pride clearly stung.

"But... shouldn’t you be focusing on making connections instead of worrying about petty costs?"

Selene arched an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed.

"I do prioritize connections, but only when I know they’ll actually benefit me."

She said smoothly.

Her gaze hardened, her voice dropping a few degrees colder.

"And right now? I’m not convinced that helping you will do me any favors."

The color in Heera’s face deepened to a bright shade of red.

She looked away, clearly embarrassed but unwilling to admit it.

Her eyes darted toward Ethan, and Selene could see what was coming before Heera even opened her mouth.

"Ethan. Don’t you think I have a point? I mean, it’s just a small amount. Shouldn’t Selene be more... flexible?"

Heera said softly, trying to sound vulnerable.

Selene felt her irritation spike, but she stayed silent, waiting to see how Ethan would respond.

Ethan’s lips twitched into a slight smile, but it was devoid of any warmth. He glanced at Heera, then back at Selene, his expression unreadable.

"I’m obligated to take Selene’s side. No matter what."

Ethan said smoothly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Selene’s heart skipped a beat.

Heera’s face fell. She looked like someone had poured cold water over her carefully built confidence.

"Of course..."

Heera muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

She bit her lip, her frustration obvious as she realized that the advantage she usually had—being the daughter of the president of XXX Company—meant absolutely nothing here.

Selene didn’t give her a chance to sulk for long.

"Let’s move."

She said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

She activated Insight, her eyes scanning the surroundings as they exited the restaurant.

Her senses picked up the presence of guards and onlookers scattered around, but none of them seemed to be focused on Heera yet.

Selene walked ahead, her sharp gaze ensuring that no one paid too much attention to them as they slipped out of the building.

Heera followed reluctantly, her sulking demeanor making her drag her feet.

But one sharp glare from Selene was enough to make her straighten up and keep quiet.

They stepped outside, the cool night air hitting them as they left the overly lavish atmosphere of the restaurant behind.

"Where are we going now?"

Heera asked after a moment, her voice quieter this time.

Selene didn’t look back as she answered.

"I have a place in mind."

Heera frowned.

"What kind of place?"

"Somewhere safe. You’ll see."

Selene replied vaguely.

Ethan stayed silent, walking beside Selene with an easy, confident stride.

He was watching their surroundings just as carefully, his eyes sharp and alert.

They drove for several minutes before they finally arrived.

The moment they turned the corner and the building came into view, Heera’s steps slowed.

Her nose wrinkled in distaste.

"This..."

Heera’s voice was barely above a whisper as she took in the sight before her.

The center was nothing like the luxury hotels Heera was used to.

It was a modest, newly opened facility that had been converted into a temporary safe house.

It wasn’t run-down or dirty, but it was far from the opulent places Heera was accustomed to.

Selene glanced back just in time to see Heera’s expression—barely masked disgust.

"This is... where we’re staying?"

Heera asked, her tone betraying her disappointment despite her attempt to sound neutral.

"Yes. It’s secure, off the radar, and no one will think to look for you here...for now."

Selene said, her voice firm and unapologetic.

"But...It’s so... basic."

Heera’s gaze darted around, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Selene’s patience was wearing thin again.

"Do you want to survive, or do you want silk sheets and five-star service?"

Selene asked, her tone sharp.

Heera blinked, clearly taken aback by the bluntness of Selene’s words.

"Because if you’re more concerned about comfort than staying alive, then feel free to walk right back out and take your chances."

Selene continued, her voice dangerously calm.

Silence.

Heera’s expression shifted, her lips trembling slightly as she realized that Selene wasn’t bluffing.

"I...I’ll stay."

Heera looked down, her voice barely audible.

"Good choice."

Selene muttered, her tone softer but still firm.

Ethan moved ahead, opening the door and scanning the interior before giving Selene a small nod.

"All clear."

He said quietly.

Selene led the way inside, gesturing for Heera to follow.

The center wasn’t luxurious, but it was functional.

Clean, secure, and well-monitored. The perfect place to keep Heera safe while they figured out what was really going on.

As they walked inside, Heera’s eyes kept darting around, her discomfort clear.

_____

My spell checker is acting up. If you see Aedric and Aldric anywhere in the future, know that I am talking about the head scientist of the Vale family.