Chapter 187 - 117: Rupture (Part 2)

Not wanting to miss this opportunity, the two of them went to the Military Command early to wait. They only breathed a quiet sigh of relief when Sheldon Reid’s guard finally let them in.

Nora Lowell was still wearing a combat uniform today, but she had put some effort into her appearance. She had always been confident in her looks and felt especially radiant at that moment. ’Most men are visual creatures. Even if he’s rational, my appearance should at least score me a few points.’

Sure enough, when Sheldon Reid first laid eyes on her, a flash of astonishment flashed in his eyes.

Although it was fleeting, Nora Lowell still caught it and was secretly delighted.

Sheldon Reid was a military man, so he didn’t speak with the convolutions of a politician. Besides, for someone of his status, beating around the bush was a waste of time. He got straight to the point and asked Nora Lowell for her terms.

"I wish to serve under your command and, when the time is right, return to Norgate!"

This was an answer Nora Lowell had carefully considered.

It both declared her loyalty and revealed her ambition.

’As for whether she would remain under his thumb after taking control of Norgate... well, that was a problem for later. She was confident in her abilities and had no intention of staying under anyone’s heel forever!’

Sheldon Reid knew of her family background, and a speculative look crossed his face.

’The road to Norgate and the necessary communication relays were already half-finished. Reclaiming the city was only a matter of time. Of course, the Gryphon Lowell faction, independent for so long, wouldn’t submit willingly. Central City would inevitably have to use force. Using Nora Lowell to sway public opinion in Norgate could be a viable shortcut.’

’If she plays her part well, rewarding her a little wouldn’t be a problem. If not... well, a woman like her was of no real concern to him.’

"Agreed."

And just like that, a preliminary agreement was reached.

Nora Lowell was immediately assigned to the Operations Department. She was to report for duty on a designated day and was tasked with acquiring and submitting the data as soon as possible. Sheldon Reid promised to finalize further arrangements shortly. Meanwhile, her residence was moved from the Third District to the military housing area in the First District.

When Nora Lowell received her updated Identity Card, she could finally relax.

She and Gilbert Lawson left the restricted zone, the unconcealable joy evident on both their faces.

After a moment’s thought, Nora Lowell said, "This was all thanks to your help, Uncle. Things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly otherwise. I really don’t know how to thank you!"

Gilbert Lawson chuckled. "That’s because you’re capable in your own right. Seeing you achieve so much, I’m truly happy for your mother. If she’s watching from the great beyond, she must be so proud!"

Nora Lowell nodded emphatically.

’She knew that now that she was in the Military Command, she would need Gilbert Lawson’s help more than ever.’

’There was so much to do.’

’Build her own network, gather her own faction within the military.’

’She hadn’t joined the Military Command just to be someone’s subordinate! She was here to leverage their resources!’

’And these were not tasks she could accomplish alone.’

"Rest assured, I won’t disappoint my mother, and I won’t disappoint you either!"

Gilbert Lawson gave a knowing smile, then offered some advice. "It would be wise to cut ties with the people and affairs of The Dead City. You’re part of the military now; you must be careful about your actions. Of course, if that other party is amenable, you could try bringing him up to your superiors after a while. If they’re interested, it would be a great achievement for you. But for now, you haven’t even secured your own position. It’s best not to act rashly."

Nora Lowell agreed verbally, but her thoughts were another matter entirely.

’She had no intention of giving up on Shawn Monroe.’

’A Seventh Rank Superpower User as young as Shawn Monroe was truly outstanding, and he treated her well... If they could work together—one in the open, one in the shadows—it would be a massive advantage!’

’But the question was how to persuade him...’

After parting ways with Gilbert Lawson, she didn’t hail a car, mulling over the problem as she walked.

Just then, someone blocked her path.

She looked up to see a familiar face, but his gaze was foreign to her—and utterly frigid.

Shawn Monroe couldn’t get into the restricted zone, but that didn’t stop him from waiting outside.

He saw her emerge with a middle-aged man he’d never seen before. He watched them bid each other farewell with warm smiles, clearly on very familiar terms... In that instant, he knew what had happened.

He wasn’t naive enough to think Nora Lowell had been hiding all this just to give him a surprise.

There was only one conclusion: Nora Lowell had betrayed him!

Anger, resentment, disappointment, and indignation—a torrent of emotions coiled around him, gnawing at his heart like venomous snakes!

He regretted trusting Nora Lowell, regretted his compromises, regretted his inaction. If he had known it would come to this, he should have just taken the data by force!

He’d grown dissatisfied with her, but he’d always believed that, as his woman, Nora Lowell would never go so far!

But he was wrong. Terribly wrong.

’In the face of such enormous benefits, what did the life-and-death struggles they’d shared since leaving The Dead City even matter?! What did their physical relationship even matter?!’

’In her heart, she’d betray anyone as long as it benefited her...’

Meeting Nora Lowell’s slightly panicked eyes, he suddenly felt the urge to laugh!

’He had been so naive!’

’Always being called the Young City Lord of The Dead City... In the end, he was nothing more than a frog in a well.’

’He’d thought he was so charming, but he had just been a stepping stone for her.’

’Without his arrogance, how could Nora Lowell have ever made it to Central City so easily!’

’How ridiculous. When Nora Lowell heard from Woody Warren that he’d failed to kill Paige Summers, she’d confronted him. And he had patiently explained his painstaking plan to win Paige over!’

’How utterly stupid!’

He stared coldly at Nora Lowell’s beautiful face for a long moment, all pity for her gone. Then, moving like the wind, he lunged forward, seized her by the throat, and dragged her behind a tree on the roadside!