Chapter 59
When a leader was targeted by rivals, she’d swoop in for the dramatic rescue, becoming their savior.
She’d conquer one gang leader and move on to the next.
It was far more challenging than manipulating those spoiled rich boys.
These gang leaders had required months of surveillance, each rescue meticulously timed for maximum impact.
Her posters plastered all over the underworld were thanks to her undefeated streak in the arena.
No matter the odds, she always emerged victorious.
Her growing fan base was only natural.
The rumors of her loyalty and humility were a product of her masterful manipulation. She mirrored the desires of those she targeted.
If they craved adoration, she became their biggest fan.
If they sought protection, she’d become a mother hen.
Once their affection peaked, she’d pull their strings, making them dance to her tune.
Training people was her hobby, like a hunter trapping prey.
Only she hunted people.
After Lily’s death, only manipulation and money brought her any satisfaction.
She’d used the best bait and caught the finest prey. To her, that seemed just right.
This man was clearly prejudiced against her.
Regina stepped forward and knocked on the Chairman’s door.
The argument inside abruptly ceased.
Julian inquired, “Who is it?”
“Regina,” she replied, her voice slightly drowsy. “Could you guys keep it down when you’re trash–talking me? I can hear everything.”
Julian, Stephen, and Liam were speechless.
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Chapter 60
Chapter 60
Regina waited outside the office for their response.
A minute of silence was followed by a cacophony of crashes and yelps.
She chuckled, then saw the door open, a hand reaching out.
The nails were neatly trimmed and rounded, the knuckles delicate, but the hand itself was strong.
Intrigued, she looked up at the man.
He wore a Mechanical Riot Squad uniform, looking alert and wary.
Tall and well–built, his broad shoulders and narrow waist were evident even beneath the loose black uniform.
Regina’s gaze traveled upwards, meeting his guarded expression.
His features were sharp, his eyes cold and intense, but a beauty mark beneath one eye softened the harshness.
Recognition dawned.
She’d seen him on TV.
Julian Hayes, head of Mechanical Explosion–proof Team, the formidable captain who made criminals tremble.
Rumor had it his cyberware capacity level was 9.5, not the official 9, given his uncanny ability to neutralize even the most volatile cyborgs. His striking looks and prowess had made him a bigger celebrity than any movie star.
On screen, he was aloof and untouchable.
In person, he resembled a powerful porcelain rabbit – deceptively delicate yet lethally strong.
Regina extended her hand. “Officer Hayes, I’ve seen you on TV, heard your speech about eliminating cyborg threats in Dainville. It was very impressive.”
Julian frowned almost imperceptibly, glancing at her outstretched hand.
He felt a pang of awkwardness, remembering his gossiping.
He took her hand. “Thank you.”
Regina’s smile widened. “I bet your fans would be surprised to know the righteous Officer Hayes enjoys a bit of backstabbing.”
Julian’s face flushed.
Regina withdrew her hand and peered inside, spotting Stephen standing awkwardly.
She waved. “Hey, Doc.”
Stephen cringed. “Hey.”
Regina’s smile turned sharp. “I thought you were just a simple school medic, Stephen. Didn’t realize you were the Stephen Hayes, the world’s top cyborg surgeon. Explains the hands–on physical exam.”
Liam, lounging on the couch, raised an eyebrow.
Julian, still by the door, mirrored his brother’s surprise.
They both stared at Stephen.
Hands–on physical exam? That was new.
Stephen, feeling their shocked and disapproving gazes, stammered, “I was just doing a check–up, looking at your arm…”
His voice trailed off, realizing how creepy it sounded.
Stephen glared at Julian.
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This is your fault. Blabbing loud enough for her to hear!” Stephen mumbled.
He had never been so embarrassed.
Julian’s face hardened. He stepped aside, gesturing for Regina to enter. “Come in. Let me apologize properly.”
Regina declined. “No, thanks. I need sleep. Just got back from being kidnapped. Not in the mood for anything else.”
All three brothers froze.
Julian grabbed her arm. “Kidnapped? By who?”
Stephen rushed forward, concerned. “Are your injuries worse? Did you escape on your own? Who rescued you? Let me examine you.”
Liam was bewildered. “Kidnapped from my hospital? How? My security is impenetrable.”
Regina shook off Julian’s grip, exasperated. “None of your business.”
The brothers were speechless.
Regina’s facade of friendliness vanished. “You don’t like me. Stop pretending.”
Silence hung heavy in the air.
Regina turned to leave, but Julian swiftly stepped in front of her, “Hold on.”
Regina raised an eyebrow, “Now what?”
Julian hesitated, then lowered his head, a blush creeping up his neck. “I shouldn’t have spoken ill of you. I was wrong. I apologize.” Stephen’s jaw dropped.
Liam let out a low whistle, a mix of emotions swirling within him.
In over two decades, they had never seen Julian apologize.
Julian, acutely aware of his brothers‘ stunned gazes, felt a pang of embarrassment, but it didn’t diminish his sincerity.
He had messed up, and he owned it.
He stooped slightly, his towering form looming over Regina like a wolf over a kitten.
Despite his battlefield experience, apologizing was new territory.
His voice, low and steady, filled the quiet hallway, “Everything I said was pure speculation. I’m sorry if it upset you. I can assure you this won’t go any further. I truly apologize.”
The hallway fell silent.
Stephen and Liam instinctively looked to Regina, waiting for her response.
A playful glint entered Regina’s eyes. “Honestly, I was only annoyed that you called me a killing machine and downplayed my efforts. Everything else was spot on
Julian, Stephen, and Liam were taken aback.
Only those two things bothered her. That was unexpected
Julian was baffled, “But I called you manipulative.”
“Yes. Regina replied without rnissing a beat, “I am.”
Julian, Liam, and a bewildered Stephen exchanged glances.
“Do manipulative people admit to being manipulative?” Stephen wondered aloud.
Regina chuckled, “I enjoy being the center of attention. I like leveraging connections to get what I want. I tailor my approach to each target, all skill, no emotion. So, yeah, I’m manipulative. No argument there
She continued. “Case in point, I’m totally thinking about how to work you three. You guys are golden tickets.”
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Regina paused, as if calculating, “A good relationship with the Hayes family could easily be worth millions.”
Julian, Stephen, and Liam were speechless.
Manipulation? She was laying out her entire plan.
Such blatant honesty–and she wasn’t even worried they would be offended.
Regina, with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, suggested, “So, if you don’t want to be part of my scheme, steer clear. I’m not changing my approach.”
Intrigued, a glint of amusement in his eyes, Liam countered, “Why bother with the act? We’re past all the secrets now. Just be yourself with us.”
“Can’t do it,” Regina replied simply.
The three brothers stared at her, dumbfounded.
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Regina tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips, “Why be genuine when I can be strategic and win you over with finesse? You don’t need me now. But when I’m more powerful, you might just be hiring me. We can take it slow.”
A sudden pang of pain shot through her abdomen.
Regina winced, pressing a hand to her injured side. “Anyway, goodnight.”
Stephen, noticing her awkward gait as she walked away, watched her disappear down the hallway.
Why did she suddenly look so pale?‘ he wondered.
