Ch. 431..435: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 431-435

Chapter 431 So? What Then?

There was a long, deafening silence in Leah's office. The silence stood out even more as there was a huge buzz among the staff members just outside the room.

For a moment, Leah and Serena thought they might have heard wrongly. Both of them stared at each other's faces for the longest time.

"It can't be…" Serena quickly took out her phone and looked up the latest news.

She clicked on an article mentioning Han and Hendrik. As she scrolled down the article and read it, it filled her with a complete sense of bewilderment.

When she was finally done reading it, she swallowed hard and passed her phone to Leah.

"They are the same person…"

Leah had the urge to push the phone away. She wanted to deny the possibility that Han might be Hendrik.

Still, she took the phone as she needed to know the truth.

I've noticed that both men have a lot in common, but they are also very different as well.

She played a clip that was attached to the article, hoping desperately that it was just another fake news.

However, she could see Hendrik taking off his mask in a car, revealing Han's face the next instant.

Leah was in a state of shock. She handed Serena's phone back to her and sat there quietly for some time.

I've suspected that Han and Hendrik are the same man previously. However, I changed my mind after spending more time with Hendrik and getting to know him better.

Leah could feel her indignation rising. She wanted very badly to question Han face-to-face.

Why did you lie to me? Why would you try to approach me by using a fake identity?!

She was about to pick up her phone when she paused abruptly.

Both Han and Hendrik have helped me a lot. I have no right to get angry over this.

Still, it made her feel sad as she thought about what Hendrik had said to her.

Didn't you say that we were friends? Why would you lie to me then?

I've asked you multiple times before, and I've told you I hate people lying to me.

Now I finally know why Han didn't mind hearing about Hendrik and me getting close…

I even made the correct guess previously, but I convinced myself that it wasn't true…

Leah felt deeply frustrated with herself.

"Sarah…" Serena had no idea where to begin.

It's beyond my wildest imagination that those two are actually the same person!

What's more, both of them were involved with Sarah, especially Hendrik! That man was so attentive to her.

"Um… Well, we can say for sure now that Han actually loves you, right?" Serena smiled awkwardly and said.

Leah's heart missed a beat. She denied it frantically, "That's impossible!"

Perhaps he did like me at some point back then, but that wasn't love.

However, Hendrik was really kind to me…

Just then, Serena's phone rang. Carlotta had woken up due to all the noises on their floor. She was looking for Leah.

"Where's Mommy? Did she leave already?"

Carlotta sounded extremely dejected as she thought Leah had left without saying goodbye.

Leah took the phone from Serena and answered in a gentle voice, "I'm still here, Carlotta. I'm going to you right now."

It was almost dinnertime, so Leah and Serena brought some food with them to have dinner with Carlotta upstairs.

While they were having dinner together, Carlotta turned on the TV with the remote control.

The news of Han having two identities happened to come on at that moment. Carlotta was briefly stunned as she watched the news. Then, she exclaimed, "Daddy and Uncle Hendrik are the same person?!"

Leah pinched her cheek playfully. "You shouldn't watch TV while you're eating. It's bad for your tummy."

Carlotta turned her gaze away and straightened herself a little. She continued eating silently with a thoughtful look in her eyes.

Suddenly, her face lit up, and she said excitedly, "That means I've found the perfect solution to my problem of not being able to have two dads!"

"It is solved as long as Daddy and Uncle Hendrik are the same person!"

Carlotta turned out to be the happiest person to learn the news.

Leah and Serena were both rendered speechless by the little girl's remarks.

However, Carlotta paid no mind to their response as she went on muttering to herself, "I even thought it was improper that Mommy was secretly dating Uncle Hendrik back then. I guess I was worried for nothing, after all."

The girl was beaming from ear to ear at that point.

After dinner, Serena mentioned what she had heard about Donald to Leah.

"Sarah, I think Donald has gotten himself in trouble. The police have learned of his illegal activities, and he's left the country to escape the law enforcers. I haven't heard any news of him for a long while."

Leah paused momentarily before saying, "Is that right…"

What have I been doing all this time? It seems like there are a lot of things that I'm unaware of.

Frankly, I'm not that surprised to hear that this has happened to Donald. Though I haven't gotten to know the man for long, I've heard about what he does behind the public's eye.

This day was bound to happen at some point.

Leah was having mixed feelings about this. Although she was aware that Donald was a wanted criminal now, she couldn't help but worry for him still.

"He just has to serve his time, right? He'd be alright, don't you think?"

I don't even want to consider the possibility of him getting hurt or dying while trying to avoid being captured.

Serena was a little concerned about the man as well. "He should be fine. He's a sly guy. He's been going on and on about how he wants to repay you for your help. I'm sure he'll try his best to survive."

I changed my mind about him a while back. It was all thanks to him that we managed to start and run Dream Designs in the early days, after all.

Just then, the door to the room swung open and a man walked in through the door.

"Leah, how much longer are you planning to keep Carlotta here?"

The three of them were momentarily stunned upon seeing Han there.

Leah got to her feet and stared stonily at him. "Was it fun having me completely fooled?"

She had tried to get over her disappointment and anger at being lied to earlier. However, all those dark emotions flared up in her as soon as she saw Han.

Serena picked Carlotta up at once and headed for the door. "The two of you should sort this out alone. Don't have a quarrel right in front of your child!"

Carlotta managed to call out to her parents before she was carried out of the room, "Daddy! Mommy! You two shouldn't quarrel, alright?"

After those two left the room, Leah and Han stared silently at each other for quite some time.

Leah smiled contemptuously, "With your acting skills, shouldn't you consider starting your career as an actor?"

A cold light flashed across Han's eyes as he listened to her mocking remark.

He slowly walked up to Leah and stopped before her. Then, he leaned in slightly. "So? Were you angry because you thought I had played with your feelings?"

Chapter 432 How Did You Know

There was a brief moment of silence, and Leah could even hear the faint sound of rain falling outside.

She slowly came to her senses after hearing that question from him. Then, she dropped her gaze and looked away. "No."

"You can take Carlotta with you if you want. I have some matters to attend to. I'm leaving now."

I can trust him since he's Hendrik.

That man has gotten me out of dangerous, difficult situations multiple times before. I've talked to him about my personal issues, and he's helped me overcome them and grow.

He's a friend. It won't change even if Hendrik has turned out to be Han.

Leah tried to walk past him, but Han caught her by the wrist.

"Is there nothing else you want to say to me?" A deep frown creased Han's forehead.

"Haven't you seen the news?"

Leah couldn't squirm free from Han's grip. She turned around and flashed him a mocking smile. "What do you want me to say?"

"Do you want me to shout at you?"

She seemed a lot calmer than I expected.

Han had a pensive look in his eyes. "Have you figured out that we are the same person even before the news came out?"

She's suspected that I'm Hendrik all along, after all.

Leah lowered her gaze. "I made that guess before, but I just couldn't bring myself to believe that you are Hendrik."

As fond memories of their past flashed across her mind, Leah couldn't help but feel bitter.

She looked at him through a mist of tears. "Why did you approach me by assuming another identity?"

Why would you make a fool out of me like that?

"Leah, there are some instances where I can't tell you the reasons behind my actions just yet." Han relaxed his grip a little since it had left a red mark around Leah's wrist.

He continued, "Just like how you knew that I had harmed Lucy, but you would still allow me to look after Carlotta."

I thought Leah had believed that I had a hand in Lucy's incident. However, the situation feels a bit different this time.

Regardless of whether it's because of my other identity as Hendrik, I'm feeling a bit more confident

now.

Leah tried to subtly change the topic. "Well, you said before that you would never hurt your flesh and blood."

Instead of telling Han that she actually trusted him, she swiftly came up with that excuse.

However, Han seemed to have seen through her flimsy excuse. A faint smile flickered across his lips. "You're not as naive as before. You've grown a lot, haven't you?"

Upon hearing those words, Leah lifted her eyes and stared at Han.

"You…"

I've only ever gotten compliments like this from Hendrik.

Why is he still talking like that when he doesn't have to pretend to be Hendrik anymore?

"What's the matter? Did hearing my compliments make you so happy that it rendered you speechless?" Han said in a low voice.

Leah flushed scarlet in embarrassment. She turned her gaze away and muttered, "I did not. You're overthinking it."

The room fell into silence again as none of them spoke after that. However, the tension between the two of them seemed to have dissipated at that moment.

"Here. Sit down and listen to me." Han had Leah sit on the edge of the bed. He stood before her with his hands on her shoulders.

"Would you believe me if I told you that Shawn had masterminded the incident involving Lucy?"

Leah's answer came quicker than he had expected. She nodded expressionlessly. "I know. I'm also aware that he's harmed Serena in the past."

"Still, I'm going to marry him."

Leah said that whilst looking straight into Han's eyes.

Han's face darkened almost instantaneously. A dangerous light shone in his eyes.

He leaned down and placed a hand on the back of Leah's head. Then, he swiftly pulled her closer to face him."Are you saying that you love him that much?"

"You would choose to forgive and understand him each time he does something that is against your morals and principles?"

"If you could be so kind and generous to him, why couldn't you do the same for me when I had begged so hard for your forgiveness back then?"

He had a murderous aura as he asked those questions one by one bitingly. However, Leah was not intimidated in the slightest.

"You're wrong. I don't love him." She smiled wryly and shook her head. "However, I'll still marry him."

I don't think I have the right to love anyone.

Han's expression softened a little. He looked at Leah pensively. "Give me a reason why you must marry him."

Leah smiled mischievously. She fixed Han with a curious gaze. "What about you? Why do you care so much whether I'll marry Shawn or not?"

You're going to give me the impression that you are feeling jealous.

"I just don't want my child calling some other man daddy." Han had a frigid look in his eyes.

If she insists on doing it still, I'll just have to take things into my own hands.

Leah let out a chuckle and retorted, "Well, I believe it's my freedom whom I choose to marry."

Even though she was laughing, Han could not see any hint of joy in her eyes.

I hate seeing her forcing herself to smile.

"You don't have to smile if you don't feel like it. It doesn't suit you at all." He let go of Leah and straightened himself.

Leah stopped smiling at that instant. Then, she focused her gaze on Han. "Do you remember when I asked for Hendrik's help previously? He said that I could trust him and that I could always ask for his help."

My relationship with Han isn't what's important now. What matters more is that Hendrik's offer is still valid.

Han frowned slightly as he took in the grim look in Leah's eyes. "I always keep my word. Go on, then. What is it?"

She's come to accept that I'm Hendrik even faster than I thought. Moreover, she's willing to ask for my help.

All of that gave Han a great sense of satisfaction.

Leah took a deep breath as she tried to organize her thoughts a little. Then, she began, "Could you get me a miniature tracking device? One with a barely detectable transmission signal, if that's possible."

Han furrowed his brows. "Are you planning on going to Shawn's laboratory alone?"

Leah was completely caught off-guard when Han unceremoniously brought up her plans. "How did you know about that?"

Did he notice that Shawn was behaving differently?

The only person who knew about Shawn's plan was Jackson, and Shawn had probably gotten someone to get rid of that man. Shawn couldn't possibly have told Han, nor did I say anything to him before. How on earth did he find out about this?

Leah's expression was one of pure confusion. She could not figure it out, no matter how hard she

thought about it.

While looking at the lady, who clearly had a lot of questions on her mind, Han merely answered calmly, "I heard it."

Chapter 433 Confidant

Han might have an inkling of what would happen when he overheard the conversation between Shawn and Leah. And the latter's reaction only reaffirmed his suspicion.

"Since you want me to step in to help, tell me everything. Not that lying further will be any effective," uttered Han plainly.

Leah composed herself. She looked at Han.

"Please believe me this time." She was planning to tell Hendrik everything but something got in the way. The lack of snide remarks from Han somehow reassured Leah. "Shawn was developing an influenza virus in his lab. He is done with the project now and is waiting for an opportunity to release it. He said he would show me his lab these few days so I want you to give me a geolocator that can go unnoticed."

Leah gave out the details of her plan, seemingly unaware of the danger involved.

"I'm not sure if I should call you brave or dumb," Han snapped back. "How likely do you think you'll succeed? You'll most probably lose your life without making a dent in Shawn's plan."

Han was blunter than usual, almost merciless in his words. Leah couldn't refute at all because Han was being realistic here. But it wasn't like Han was her first choice. It was just that incidentally, Han was Hendrick.

Han's expression softened when Leah showed signs of concession. "This cufflink is a GPS tracker specifically designed for my personal use. The electricity it emits is as minor as human bioelectricity."

Han tore the cufflink and put it on Leah's jacket.

"If the lab has good reception, I can even listen in on the conversation. When you hear something noteworthy, just repeat it."

Leah lifted her right arm. The gold cufflink next to her wrist made her heart skip a beat. She felt... warm. Like when Hendrik showered her with attention. The only difference was that it was Han this time. Leah was startled, and her heart, aflutter.

"Stop spacing out." Han came closer, trying to rouse Leah. But by doing so, the physical distance between them diminished. Their lips almost touched. Surprised, the bashful Leah took a few steps back but she was tripped by the bed behind her. Han reached out to grab Leah but he was dragged by gravity as well. The pair fell on top of each other.

"Tss..." hissed Leah as Han's toned body almost crushed her. "Get up, Han."

Han lay still. He propped himself up slightly with his arms to spare Leah the full brunt of his weight. However, he was unwilling to let go of the marbled body now imprisoned within his embrace. His eyes widened. He felt tingly. His fingers wandered to the tender skin of Leah's cheek. Almost gutturally, Han whispered,

"Leah, I..."

Suddenly, the door flung open. This wasn't what Serena had in mind when she walked into this room with Carlotta.

Carlotta covered her eyes obediently. "Is this why you guys asked for some privacy?"

She didn't even try to make it any less obvious. Leah's face was even redder now. Before she had the chance to explain the situation, Serena interjected,

"And I was worried that you two would argue here. I suppose one can always make up under the sheets. Carry on, please. We'll be back after one... Wait, after two hours."

Serena immediately made herself scarce with Carlotta, even closing the door behind her. She then told all the staff members not to bother the couple upstairs.

"..." Leah was speechless.

How dare you abandon me here, Serena?

All urges within Han dissipated following this sudden event. He got up and helped Leah get back on her feet.

"Relax. It's not like you can run away if I'm in the mood," said Han.

Leah decided to ignore what she heard and changed the topic. "If you know where Shawn's lab is, will you call the police or handle it yourself?"

"You don't need to know. Just go to the lab with him. I'll take care of the rest." Han was as domineering as ever, but somehow Leah found it reassuring.

After the couple settled on which secret codes to use, they left the room. As Leah saw Han's car fade into the rainy backdrop, she felt surreal. If she wasn't mistaken, the exchange just now was one of the few peaceful ones they ever had. To know that just a few days ago, they were arguing over a misunderstanding. And now, they became each other's confidants. And all this was because Hendrik turned out to be Han.

Serena felt relieved too, after noticing that Leah and Han had come up with a plan. "I feel very reassured when I know he got your back."

Carlotta held Leah's hand and spoke like a mini adult. "Stop arguing with Daddy already, Mommy. Finish your task now so that we can all hang out together!"

"I will." Leah gave a small peck on Carlotta's face.

Serena and Carlotta were always there when she needed solace. What more could she ask for in her life? Protecting this safe space of hers was her only mission. And to do that, she had to sabotage Shawn's plan.

On the other hand, Han was supposed to pick up Carlotta back to his place. But one thing led to another and he reconciled with Leah. In the driver's seat, Ben felt ominous when he noticed the ever- smiling face of his superior.

No way. The poker-faced Mr. Howard is capable of getting smitten?

Before Han arrived at his mansion, a shadow dashed out and stood in the car's way.

"Come out, Ethan! We need to talk!"

Ben stomped on the brake pedal. "Boss, Ms. Lancaster is in the way."

"Just drive," replied Han nonchalantly. He was in a great mood today.

Ben couldn't believe what he just heard. He yelled uncharacteristically, "Boss! We can't do that!"

Chapter 434 Planning Ahead

The rain pelted down heavily on the windshield. Anna was soaked to the bone, not a modicum of regalness left on her. She pounded on Han's car window desperately.

"You can't leave me like this, Ethan. You can’t abandon me because of that wrench! You promised me that you would marry me. You can't take that back!"

Her shrill voice penetrated through the car window. Ben tried to go another way but Anna kept blocking the car. Unable to do anything, the car could only stay in the same spot.

"Just drive, Ben," commanded Han, irked.

The Lancasters and their country no longer had any value. He did not need to play pretend anymore.

Ben was aghast at his superior's ruthless demand. "Boss... I haven't killed anyone before. Perhaps you can ask those mercenaries from Umbra Syndicate..."

"Can't you swerve into the grass patch next to us and drive past her?"

Han was irritated. When did he say that Ben should run Anna over?

Oh, so that's what Boss wants.

Ben had an epiphany.

Still, anyone would agree with him that Han looked like he was ready to tear the woman apart.

Executing Han's orders, Ben bypassed Anna easily by skidding on the grass patch. Deep down, he felt sorry for Anna. She devoted her love to someone as aloof as Mr. Han. It seemed like her love was destined to be non-reciprocal. But not for Ms. White. Mr. Han always made an exception for Ms. White.

Anna fell on the ground when the sports car zoomed past her. She covered her grieving face, allowing the coldness from the rain to seep through her soul.

"Ethan, you won't notice me as long as Sarah exists, will you?"

Shawn and she had a deal. Once they executed their plan, they would each do their best to keep the one they loved by their side. But Anna now knew that no matter what she did, Ethan would never look at her. Sarah had to die, even though Shawn wanted Sarah.

But before she could do anything, her father came with bad news.

"Nana, let's head back. Kendrick Group has cost us billions in damages. The rich people of Fetriybia are fleeing. If we don't contain the crisis, the entire nation will go down."

"No, this can't be real." Anna shook her head incredulously. "Ethan loves me. He isn't going to ruin our nation like this."

She refused to acknowledge the truth.

Owen could only sigh at his daughter's unhealthy obsession. "Give up already. He only loves Sarah. Haven't you seen the news? He is Hendrik, the Hendrik who is rumored to be madly in love with Sarah."

Anna stood still in the rain. Even then, she wanted to hear it from Ethan. She refused to believe those online rumors. He wasn't the Hendrik who was madly in love with Sarah. He was the Ethan who would marry her.

Later in the evening, the rain stopped, lending an earthy scent to everything.

Leah finally mustered enough courage to bid farewell to Carlotta. "Take care of yourself, baby girl. Get well soon."

Carlotta held back her tears and shot a bright smile. "Come join me as soon as possible once you're done, Mommy. Bring Daddy too!"

After that wonderful discovery she had today, Carlotta was over the moon because her parents made up. Speaking of reconciliation, Leah still couldn't believe that Han and she worked out a plan together, when the Han she knew was always a snarky person. She didn't expect Hendrik's level of patience from Han. Wait. Han was Hendrik. Gosh!

After telling both Carlotta and Serena not to tell anyone about her meeting with Han today, Leah left Dream Designs. Shawn was already waiting outside. His stoic face broke into a grin when he saw her.

"Do you feel better now, Sarah?"

"Much better. How is work so far?"

Leah's concern made Shawn's day, but that delight soon disappeared when he recalled how Kendrick Group had been giving him so much trouble lately. However, Shawn had to remain civilized before

Leah.

"Same old. The revelation of Hendrik's identity didn't even stop Kendrick Group's advance."

"So you already knew that Hendrik is Han?" Leah just knew the right question to ask.

Shawn shook his head. "No, I didn't. Jackson was the one who found out."

Of course, Shawn knew better than to tell Sarah the truth. He didn't want Sarah to think that he was a liar. Although he did lie to her.

Back in Ford mansion.

"Sarah, I'm sure Lucy will be fine. Get some sleep tonight."

Leah did not like the coldness from Shawn. She stopped Shawn before he could leave.

"Where are you going?"

"To expedite my plan," sniggered Shawn. "If I do not retaliate, Kendrick Group will do my company in. Therefore, I'll advance the plan. Tomorrow is the release day."

Leah felt like she just fell into an icy pond. By release, he meant releasing the virus?

"Didn't you say you would show me the lab tomorrow?" Leah pretended to be mad.

Shawn was taken aback. He did forget that promise. Noticing Leah's disgruntlement, Shawn turned to

her and clasped her hands.

"The project will be at full throttle tomorrow. The lab will become a dangerous place. We can visit it tonight if you want," cajoled Shawn.

Leah didn't want Shawn to execute his plan this soon. Instead, she dragged Shawn upstairs. "That can wait. You should get some rest now."

Leah needed to think fast now. One, she didn't know if Han was available now or not. Two, it just rained. The reception in the lab might be affected. If Han's cufflink couldn't pick up anything, her trip to the lab would be in vain!

Chapter 435 Too Late

Normally, Shawn would say yes to every request Leah made. But not this time. Han had made him jumpy. He needed to advance the plan.

"Let's just do the visit tonight, Sarah. After tonight, god knows how many billions Han will cost me again."

Shawn almost dragged Leah with him. Leah couldn't refuse. She only prayed that the cufflink could receive signals properly. Oddly enough, Shawn didn't bring Leah to the usual sports car he drove. Instead, they went inside a windowless, dark car. The first thing that came to Leah's mind was that the vehicle was designed to jam all signals. Uncertainty slowly washed over Leah. She had thought that if the cufflink failed to work, she could try memorizing the route to the laboratory. But without any window, she couldn't have known where they were.

"How long will this take? Can I take a nap? Just wake me up when we're there." Leah came up with a quick plan.

Perhaps knowing how long it took to reach the laboratory could give her an idea as to where the laboratory was located.

"Don't sleep now, Sarah. We'll take the chopper in a few minutes." The cold, harsh tone in Shawn's voice was no more.

"Chopper?" Leah blurted out, surprised by the fact. "Your lab isn't in the city?"

Shawn caressed Leah's face affectionately. "Of course, not, babe. It's on my private island."

"Please refrain from revealing confidential info, sir," said the chauffeur in the front row. Shawn wasn't pleased that his chauffeur came to ruin his moment, but he didn't retort.

"Right. Sorry, Shawn. I'm just an outsider. You shouldn't tell me everything." Leah gave an apologetic smile.

Shawn immediately held Leah's hands and coddled her. "Sarah, he is one of my most trusted men. He was just looking out for me. When you become my wife, he won't do this anymore."

"I know. I'm fine with it," said Leah sensibly. She stole a few furtive glances at the chauffeur and made a mental note that she had to isolate Shawn if she ever needed to fish out info from Shawn.

Half an hour later, the couple arrived at Shawn's private island. And it took them another half an hour to reach Shawn's lab.

There was only darkness around the laboratory building. She couldn't see any landmarks whatsoever. And out of the blue, she felt a slight electric shock from the cufflink. It must be the notification that Han detected an abnormality in her location. Just like that, she felt relieved. Her effort wasn't in vain. Her movements were still monitored. Meanwhile, Shawn held Leah's hand and walked and walked. The only thing Leah could hear as she scuffled about was the crashing of ocean waves and the rustling leaves.

"We're here," said Shawn after taking seemingly endless turns.

"I regret it now. It's so far." Leah gave a small rant, which made Shawn chuckle.

Unlike its lightless vicinity, the interior of the laboratory was brightly lit. More than 10 researchers in those clinical white robes were busy working. Noticing the arrival of Shawn, the head researcher came forth.

"Welcome, Mr. Ford. We have obtained another breakthrough today." The researcher's eyes sparkled when he saw Leah. He inquired enthusiastically, "Mr. Ford, is this the new guinea pig? She sure has the potential to disseminate the virus more effectively."

What Leah just heard left her flabbergasted. But she played it cool. "Do I look like a guinea pig to you?"

The researcher was surprised to hear this confident response. He looked at Shawn, then back to Leah.

"You must be Mrs. Ford! I'm terribly sorry. Please pardon my ignorance just now," apologized the researcher shakily. He noticed his fatal mistake.

Usually, researchers were respected, even treated like royalty. But ordinary conventions did not apply to a man like Shawn. All researchers were recruited by Shawn from other countries. They witnessed the extent of his cruelty so they would do anything to avoid ruffling his feathers.

"Know your place," chastised Leah coldly.

Shawn was observing on the sidelines. When Leah acted like the Mrs. Ford that she would become, he was overjoyed. He had waited for this day.

"If you don't like any of them, Leah, you can have them killed." Shawn basically gave Leah more power.

The researchers heard Shawn loud and clear. They flocked to Leah to please her eagerly.

"Feel free to ask us anything, Mrs. Ford. We can give you a tour."

Leah looked around and saw that Shawn was busy talking with the head researcher. As she visited the laboratory, she asked nonchalantly, "When are you releasing the virus?"

One of the researchers immediately responded, "Mrs. Ford. Code Alpha has been released. At the moment, we have more than 50 types of viruses pending for future dissemination."

Leah's eyes widened. She turned to look at those researchers, her face as pale as a sheet. After she regained her composure, she quizzed further,

"Code Alpha was released in which city?"

The crowd did not question Leah's inquisitiveness. After all, she was Mrs. Ford.

"In Linkville, Mrs. Ford. It will spread quickly in about a week."

Leah was trembling. In the end, she was still too late. She was the first to know about this project but she failed to protect the innocent. For a moment, she doubted her very existence. How could this be? Would things have ended another way if she had agreed to be with Shawn earlier?

"Are you all right, Mrs. Ford? Worry not. Mr. Ford has asked us to keep a vaccine for you. Let's get you vaccinated, shall we?"