Chapter 29
Jessica was surprised to be recognized by Regina, and the reached out happily. “Yes. I’m Jessica, Preston’s mom”
Dentini next to Jessica seniled at Regins. I’m Preston’s dad
“Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Vates Regina said, shaking Jessica’s hand, playing it all flattered. “What are the odds of running into you guys here?
“Oh, it’s not post us,” Jessica said, shifting to reveal a group of folks around her age behind her.
They all looked sharp, not a hot of old on them. “We’re all here for you. We’re Scarlett’s buddies, and since you’re getting your implant today, we
gned we’d come check it out”
A man who looked like Roy nodded at Regina.
The other guys smiled kindly at her, and their faces seemed familiar to her.
She thought. Perhaps they’re the parents of Preston and his friends. And they’re all here to see me? What am I, some lab animal! But it’s fine. I can
harsdir them.
She calmed down and clutched her chest with gratitude. I’m y around here, so I might mess up sometimes–feel free to call me out. That’s how I get better?
very flattered. No one ever cared about me before. Thank you, everyone. I’m still new
Jessica’s eyes sparkled. Treston said you’re super standoffish, but I don’t see it. You’re a total live wire!”
The others chuckled, nodding along.
Regina ducked her head, playing shy. “Well, I only got here yesterday, so…”
“Regina A pissed–off shout cut through the chill vibe.
cingly
na looked over and saw Hugh walking over from the car menacin
Reginal
Then–whack–he slapped her hard across the face.
The sound echoed, sharp and loud.
She could ve dodged it easy, but she didn’t, She just stood there and took it.
A red Landprint bloomed on her cheek right away.
The adults froze, stunned, and Jessica shoved Hugh bark. “What the hell? You can’t just hit herl
Furious, Hugh pointed at Regina. “Ask her what she did at school! This brat hurt my three kids!”
Everyone’s eyes swung to Regina, wide and waiting,
The air went dead quiet, thick with tension,
The silence hung heavy until a pack of slady–looking gangsters in suits pilled out of cars parked along the road, grinning as they strolled toward the
A luk guy, decked out in full cyberware mods, let out a low whistle at Jessica’s back.
Regina’s eyes sharpened, sizing up the
Then, out of nowhere, a rolgut came barreling toward them at full speed.
Hugli had no idea. He pointed at her 10. Listen to me.
Regina didn’t hesitate. She whipped out her sword and leaped into action
Hugh yelped and hit the dirt, scared out of his mind.
With a quick push off her toes, she vaulted beltind him, swung the titanium sword, and sliced the charging robot clean in half
It crashed to the ground in a heap of sparks and metal.
Thurults were dumbfounded,
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ད་ང་དག་
Chapter 29
The omgen froze, staring at Begina as she planted herself in front of the group.
The bald
a’s ryer shtank as he stumbled back. “Regina!”
One of his goons piped up voice shaking. “What’s she doing here? Why’s she in a Blackthorn Academy uniform? Did she hit the big time o
something!
The rest of his crew just gaped at her.
A soft early summer breeze kicked up, tugging at her hair and pleated skirt as they fluttered around her.
She gripped the glowing, heat–radiating titanium sword, legs spread, body low, ready to throw down. “Hugh, we’ve got company. Zip it. We’ll sort your crap out after we deal with these clowns.
Stunned Hugh gawked at her back.
She half–turned her eyes cold and lethal. “One more word, and you’re done”
Hugh shut up real quick.
