Chapter 4
Caroline didn’t question anything. As usual, she studied and trained with the team, completing her
daily tasks.
But the next day, she filled in her name on the international bomb disposal request form issued by
Kieran Wright.
That afternoon, Kieran called Caroline into his office.
“Aren’t you getting married? Why are you requesting foreign aid? This mission will last at least three years, and the location is Noredge, overseas,” Kieran said.
He added, “It’s a minefield. Every house there has been damaged by landmines. It’s a high–risk zone. Are you sure you’ve thought this through? Think carefully before you come back to me.”
Kieran gazed at his most outstanding elite, his heart a storm of mixed emotions. If Caroline left, he wouldn’t have anyone like her left on the team.
“I’ve made up my mind. I’m willing to go for foreign aid,” Caroline said.
Kieran sighed, but seeing the determination on Caroline’s face, he couldn’t say more and had no
choice but to give in.
He said, “Alright, I’ll help you with the paperwork. Talk to Graysen. Don’t argue.”
Caroline nodded, then turned to leave. After exiting Kieran’s office, Caroline didn’t consult with Graysen at all.
Instead, she headed straight to the computer room and began searching for information on Noredge online.
For three days straight, she either immersed herself in the computer room or trained relentlessly on the field. Her strange behavior even caught Violet’s attention.
“Did you argue with Graysen?” Violet asked.
Caroline shook her head.
Violet stared at her suspiciously and whispered, “I feel like something’s off between you two.”
Before Caroline could respond, cheers erupted from behind her.
Today was the day Marlene was discharged from the hospital, and Graysen, along with a few teammates, had specially requested leave to pick her up and bring her back to the team.
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Her complexion was rosy, and she was walking with a confident stride, chatting and laughing with her teammates. Marlene seemed fully recovered.
“The reason I’m back safe is all thanks to everyone’s care. Tonight, we’re having dinner at Leflia. I’ll pick up the tab,” Marlene said.
“Wow, Leflia!”
Her colleagues cheered and clicked their tongues. That was the most upscale venue in Hacía City. Without Marlene, they probably wouldn’t have been able to afford it in years.
As they thought about it, their gazes toward Marlene grew even warmer.
This wasn’t the first time Marlene had treated the team. In fact, one of the main reasons she was favored was her family’s wealth and her generous nature.
In the shortest amount of time, her wealth had won everyone over.
“Caroline, you have to come tonight. Whenever you didn’t show up, Graysen didn’t have a good time,” Marlene said with a smile, and instantly, everyone’s eyes were on Caroline.
Even Graysen stepped closer, tugging at her sleeve, urging her to agree.
Someone whispered, “What does Caroline have that matches Graysen? I think Marlene and him make a better pair.”
The comment was soft, but just loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
The room fell silent. Marlene’s eyes flickered, and her smile deepened.
Meanwhile, Graysen, standing beside her, exchanged a meaningful look with Marlene, as if he hadn’t heard anything. At that moment, Caroline suddenly felt tired.
The dynamic between the three of them was more exhausting than three days and nights of
continuous training.
With that thought, Caroline nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll be there.”
At six o’clock, a group of people went to Leflia. When they walked past the office, Kieran called out to Caroline, “Once the paperwork’s done, come by tomorrow to sign it.”
“Okay,” Caroline said.
Graysen, who had been walking behind her, quickly caught up and asked, “What are you signing?”
Caroline gazed at him for a moment and then replied, “It’s for the mission award from the last
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task.”
Graysen narrowed his eyes but didn’t ask further. The two of them joined the rest of the team and got into the car.
Marlene, being generous, booked the entire private room at Leflia, ordering all their signature dishes. As they began to eat, she started urging Caroline to drink.
“Caroline, you’re the MVP of our team. This one’s for you, and we’re definitely gonna be counting on you more from here on out!”
Caroline lowered her head and remained silent, while Marlene smiled sweetly at her, holding up the glass.
The noise at the table gradually softened.
Violet, sitting nearby, quickly stood up and explained, “Caroline doesn’t drink. How about I take this one for her?”
Someone scoffed, “What are you to her, to take her place?”
Violet forced a smile but still lowered the glass in her hand.
Graysen, who had just finished a phone call, returned to the table. He saw the situation and hesitated for a moment before leaning closer to Caroline and whispering, “There are so many people here. How about you just take a tiny sip?”
Caroline, who had been motionless, finally turned her head. Her eyes locked onto Graysen’s.
She asked, “What did you just say?”
