Erik glanced back, giving Janelle a thumbs-up. These weren't ordinary men; they were armed. Janelle and Erik showed no mercy. They fired without hesitation. Mercy towards enemies was cruelty towards oneself.
This was also the first time Sara witnessed this side of Janelle. The gun in her hand was real, not a toy! And her marksmanship was terrifyingly accurate. What had she endured during those years on the border?
Both Janelle and Erik were elite combatants. Facing over a dozen desperate men, the leader, who moments ago thought victory was assured – just two helpless girls unable to escape – now found his group being utterly overwhelmed. He tried to flee, but there was no escape. This man and woman were more terrifying than demons. He deeply regretted getting involved. But regret was futile.
The battle ended swiftly. The man who had groped her waist wasn't killed outright. Janelle walked towards him.
"What... what are you doing? Stay away!" The man was petrified.
"You wanted to sleep with me, didn't you? Changed your mind now?" Janelle's voice was icy.
The man frantically shook his head. "No! I d-don't dare! I really d-don't! Please, don't come closer!"
Janelle smiled, a chilling expression. "Scum like you. Done this before, forcing women, haven't you?" These desperadoes likely had blood on their hands; why else be so brazen? She fired two shots into his groin.
"AAAAAAAGH!" The man's blood-curdling scream echoed. The other men who harbored similar thoughts received the same treatment. She believed in fairness.
Turning back, she saw Sara staring at her, stunned. Janelle walked over and gently wiped the blood from Sara's lip. "Did I scare you?" Five years had changed her. She was no longer the little princess hiding behind her father. Had this new her frightened Sara? Sara, just an ordinary college student, had never seen such violence.
Sara wanted to shake her head, but this Janelle felt profoundly unfamiliar.
"Let's get out of here first." Janelle felt a pang of disheartened. Was Sara afraid of her? She must look monstrous. But it was only self-defense.
Seeing Janelle like this, Erik's heart ached. He took her hand. "It's alright. You have me. Whatever you're like, I'm not afraid." Besides, wasn't he even more terrifying?
Gunfire at a construction site would bring police soon. They had to leave. Erik delegated the cleanup to his men, then drove Janelle and Sara away.
Erik drove. Janelle and Sara sat in the back. The Cullinan sped through the streets. Erik took Sara home first. Arriving at her apartment building, Sara didn't get out immediately, unsure what to say. Janelle knew she was probably afraid. Who wouldn't be afraid of someone like her?
"Go rest. I'll come find you tonight. Don't be afraid; I've arranged protection for you."
"Hmm, Janelle, I..." Sara started.
"Go on. Time's pressing. Take a shower, get some sleep." Janelle's voice remained gentle.
"Hmm." Janelle personally walked Sara to her door. Outside, she had people stationed for protection. As Janelle turned to leave, Sara called out.
"What is it?" Time was critical, but for Sara, she waited.
Sara flung herself into Janelle's arms, hugging her waist tightly. "Janelle, I'm just... not used to it. Really. No matter what you become, you're still my best friend." Seeing Janelle like this made Sara's heart hurt. The hardships she must have endured on the border were unimaginable.
Janelle stroked her head. "Hmm. We'll have dinner tonight. Talk then."
"Okay." Sara watched Janelle enter the elevator before closing her door and heading for the shower. Janelle had changed. But the change was heartbreaking.
Janelle returned to the car, this time sitting in the passenger seat. Seeing how late it was, Erik started the engine. "Don't be sad. She doesn't understand the harsh environment you survived." Surviving the border wasn't easy. Without skills, you were just prey on a chopping block.
"I'm not sad. Let's go. To the Aleens." She only fought against the truly wicked. Towards the good, she had never raised a hand. She could face her conscience.
"Hmm."
The Bidding Session Venue
The session was nearing its end, and Janelle still hadn't returned. Among the projects presented so far, the Hills' was undoubtedly the most impressive. Mrs. Hill had already sent people back to prepare a victory celebration. The Hills employees felt a swell of vindication; they had worked long and hard on this project, and a successful outcome was deeply satisfying.
On the Blue Whale side, Linda was increasingly worried. "Mr. Jiang, do you think something happened to Miss Rovella?" Jiang Chao had also been waiting anxiously. Bruce Aleen had arranged for them to present last, but his junior sister still hadn't made it back. He could certainly hold the stage, but without Miss Rovella present, Mr. Aleen might have reservations.
Bruce Aleen was deeply concerned too. Mr. Aleen, seeing Janelle's continued absence, finally asked, "Where is Miss Rovella? How can she not be present at such an important occasion?" He personally admired her plan, but the company wasn't solely his decision. Board members were present; her absence would likely raise objections.
"Dad, I feel like something serious happened to Miss Rovella. Can you stall?" Bruce Aleen genuinely wanted to help.
The second-to-last presentation was wrapping up. Seeing Janelle's continued absence, Mrs. Hill felt triumphant. Why couldn't that little bitch stay put on the border? Had to come back and cause trouble. This time, she'd finish her off.
The penultimate presentation ended. Seeing Blue Whale Co., Ltd. still hadn't stepped up, Mrs. Hill seized the moment. "It seems Blue Whale Co., Ltd. has chosen to forfeit. Their project lead isn't even here. They clearly don't take this project seriously."
"Since Blue Whale Co., Ltd. doesn't value it, Mr. Aleen, there's no need to offer them this opportunity." Mrs. Hill fanned the flames. While Mr. Aleen might dismiss it, the board members began murmuring amongst themselves.