The competition was held at the National Convention Center.
When Julian and I arrived, the contestants were already lining up to enter.
We didn’t go in immediately, instead settling into the backstage monitoring room.
Julian had arranged this beforehand using his connections; the head of security for the
Convention Center was an old comrade of my dad’s.
On the massive monitor wall, dozens of small screens displayed live, 360–degree footage from inside the competition hall.
I spotted Serena at once.
She was sitting in the very center, looking a bit nervous, constantly glancing around,
her leg trembling with agitation.
“What’s she looking for?”
Julian asked, frowning.
“A signal source.”
I watched the big screen, my voice cold.
“She’s probably waiting for someone to adjust their equipment.”
11:58 Sat, Oct 18
<
The bell for the competition to begin rang.
he truth!”
“I suggested you go abroad because I was afraid they’d get desperate and do something to harm you! Mr. Davis is capable of anything!”
Julian grabbed my hand, his grip surprisingly strong, making my hand ache faintly.
“Aspen, trust me. How could your brother ever hurt you? Don’t eighteen years of love
mean anything?”
I looked at his red eyes, and the hardest ice in my heart slowly began to melt.
It turned out I wasn’t fighting alone.
It turned out someone was still standing with me.
“I found a five hundred thousand dollar transfer from the Davis Group to Brenda Hayes’s
account, three months ago.”
11:58 Sat, Oct 18 M
<
:
Hearing my words, Julian’s expression finally calmed, and he slowly sat back in his
seat.
“That five hundred thousand is proof of their deal!”
“Not enough.”
I shook my head, frustrated.
“With just a transfer record, they could claim it was a loan. We need more powerful evidence, something undeniable, to ensure they can never rise again.”
Julian looked at me, his eyes shining.
“So, you have a plan?”
I curved my lips into a smile, leaning forward slightly, and slowly outlined my idea.
After listening, Julian gasped, looking at me like I was a monster.
“Aspen, are you… are you sure you want to do this? It’s too risky!”
“Can a play be brilliant without a climax?”
I picked up the lemon water in front of me, took a sip, the cold liquid sliding down my
throat.
“Julian, you just need to do as I say. The rest, leave it to me.”
I smirked, my gaze slowly shifting to the window.
The day of the National Physics Competition Finals had finally arrived.
My “departure abroad” was also scheduled for this very day.
Early in the morning, I pulled my suitcase downstairs.
82
11:58 Sat, Oct 18 M
F:.
82
The whole family was there. They planned to drop Serena off at the competition venue
first, then take me to the airport.
Eleanor grabbed my hand, tears welling up again.
“Aspen, take care of yourself over there. Remember to call Mom often.”
Richard patted my shoulder, looking like he wanted to say something, but in the end,
didn’t.
Serena stood nearby, wearing a brand new dress, her face alight with poorly disguised excitement and triumph.
“Sister, take care. When I win the gold medal, I’ll send you pictures.”
I smiled, my expression indifferent as I looked at her.
“Alright. I’ll be waiting.”
Julian walked over, taking my suitcase with practiced ease.
“I’ll take Aspen to the airport. You guys go to the competition venue first, don’t be late.”
My parents nodded and left with Serena.
As the car drove out of the mansion, Julian immediately hit the gas, turned the wheel, and sped towards the competition venue.
I turned to him and asked, “Everything arranged?”
“Don’t worry”
Julian handed me a tiny earpiece, an irrepressible smile playing on his lips.
“Equipment’s been tested, signal jammer’s ready. If she dares to use it, we’ll catch her red–handed.”
11:58 Sat, Oct 18
I put on the earpiece, leaned back in my seat, and closed my eyes.
Serena, Brenda Hayes, Mr. Davis.
Your elaborately staged drama is about to end.
And I, Aspen Blackwood, am the director who decides the finale.
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