On the other end of the line, Ethan roared my name like a madman.
I stroked the Chief Security Officer’s badge pinned to my chest as I tapped into his corporation’s central control system.
My tone was light and mocking:
“Don’t panic, Mr. Blake. Your business empire is about to end up just like her face—”
“Rotten to the core.”
…
His furious roar nearly shattered the receiver.
“Rachel Adams! What did you do to Lily?!”
“What did I do?” I laughed softly, my eyes sweeping over Lily curled on the floor nearby, whimpering in agony.
The high-concentration etching acid worked instantly. The flawless face once hailed by countless in the industry now sizzled with a faint crackle.
“I just wanted to test if the delicate flower you put on a pedestal could withstand even the slightest wind and rain of reality.”
“Rachel! Don’t touch her! I warn you—if you dare lay another hand on her—”
“Mr. Blake.”
“Instead of worrying about her, maybe you should worry about yourself. If the Aegis System’s unpublished plans, along with your unexplainable financial dealings, all landed in your competitors’ inboxes… tell me, what do you think would happen?”