The Next Day
"We have forged identity documents," Kail said, laying out two sleek passports on the desk. "We're going in as a couple."
"And who exactly are we looking for?" I asked, checking the weight of the compact pistol I was hiding in my thigh holster. "Do we have a lead?"
"We'll know when we get there," Kail replied. "My team will be in position as reinforcements. Let's get ready."
Outside the Base
When I stepped out of the dressing room, the air seemed to still. I was wearing a deep emerald silk dress that flowed with every step, my hair styled in elegant, sharp waves. It was a far cry from the tactical gear I had worn for months.
Kail was waiting by the car. He froze, his gaze lingering on me for several seconds too long.
"~~~" he stammered, his usual cool composure cracking.
"Ahem... let's go, Tiger," I said, suppressing a smirk.
"Right. Let's go."
As we got into the car, I glanced at him. He looked sharp in his tailored suit. "You're surprisingly good at playing dress-up, General. If your soldiers hadn't told me who you were, I might not have recognized you."
"The same goes for you," Kail said, clearing his throat. "The look suits you."
"Really? I thought I didn't look like a W-O-M-A-N?" I teased, leaning back.
"I'm sorry about yesterday... I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
"Tch... forget it. So, for tonight, I'm Stella and you're Kairen."
"Kairen? That's very close to your real name."
"It doesn't matter," Kail said. "It's just for one night. Hopefully."
"Kail," I said, my voice turning serious. "Do you know what kind of weapon Dragon K5 is actually trying to build? Everyone says 'weapons,' but that's too vague. Professor Philip doesn't build bombs or guns."
"Think about it, Silvia. What do you need to make anything move?"
"Energy?"
"Exactly. Electricity, fuel, power... he's a genius in energy fusion. Dragon K5 doesn't just want a weapon; they want the infinite source of power that makes the weapons unstoppable."
"What about the flash drive I gave you yesterday?"
Kail's face darkened. "Because it was submerged in water for so long, the hardware is damaged. My specialists are working on it, but it's not opening yet."
"Dammit," I hissed. "We were so close. If we lose that data..."
"It's better than having nothing," Kail countered. "You hid it well. If they had found it before throwing you in the river, we'd be in much worse shape."
"We're here," he added, pulling up to the glittering entrance of the Grand Casino.
Inside the Casino
The air was thick with the smell of expensive cigars and perfume. The clinking of chips and the whirl of roulette wheels created a hypnotic rhythm.
"Lively place," I whispered, sliding my arm through Kail's.
"Have you been to places like this before?"
"General, you have no idea what 'tricks' I've had to pull to complete my past missions. This is—" I stopped dead. My eyes locked on a figure at a nearby high-stakes table.
"What's wrong?" Kail whispered.
"She's here... Kristel."
"The girl from the University?"
"Yeah. The one who made Erina's life a living hell. And the man next to her... that's her brother." I felt a surge of Silvia's protective instinct. "Ahem... Kairen, do you feel like making some new acquaintances?"
"Lead the way, Stella."
We approached the table where Kristel and her brother were seated.
"May we join the game?" Kail asked, his voice smooth and professional.
The man looked up. He had the same arrogant eyes as Kristel. "Sure. Mr...?"
"Kairen. And this is my girlfriend, Stella."
"I'm Chris," the man said, gesturing to the girl beside him. "And this is my sister, Kristel."
"Nice to meet you," Kristel said, flashing a practiced, sugary smile.
"Likewise," I replied. In Silvia's mind: You act like a perfect little princess in front of strangers, but I know the brat hiding underneath. Sorry, honey, your charms won't work on me.
Chris began distributing the cards. "You first," he said, pointing to a man next to him.
"Pass," the man said quickly.
"So fast! Haha," Chris laughed, turning his cards over. "Two pairs."
The next player showed his hand. "Straight."
Chris smirked, looking at Kail. "I think I've already won, Mr. Kairen. So—"
"Don't hurry," Kail interrupted calmly. He flipped his cards one by one. "Royal Flush. I believe the pot is mine."
Chris's jaw dropped. "What?! How is that possible?"
"Luck of the draw," Kail said, gathering the chips.
"Brother Chris!" Kristel whispered, looking at Kail with sudden, intense interest. "Mr. Kairen, you were amazing just now. You're really good at this."
I watched as she leaned in toward Kail, her eyelashes fluttering.
In Silvia's mind: Unbelievable. She's flirting with a man who just introduced his girlfriend—and I'm standing right here! She really has no shame.
"Wow... so lucky," I mumbled, leaning into Kail's shoulder. "We're not just finishing our mission; we're earning a fortune. I hope you're planning on sharing the winnings, darling?"
"Did you say something, Stella?" Kail asked, hiding a smile.
"Nothing!" I chirped. "Just enjoying the view."
Chris stood up, looking frustrated. "Gentlemen, I have business to attend to. Enjoy yourselves." He turned and left the table in a hurry.
Kristel didn't follow him. Instead, she stayed, her eyes fixed on Kail. "Mr. Kairen, you really are talented. Tell me, do you come here often?"
I felt my eye twitch. Oh, this is going to be a long night.
~ to be continued