Seeing the unexpected visitor, Miku smiled bitterly and said:
"I had to be at death's door to be able to see your face."
"Just don't make a habit of it," Ray said with a chuckle, sitting down across from her.
"How did you know I was in the hospital?"
"Your father called me. He asked me to talk to you. I don't know exactly what made you do it, but I can guess."
"I'm pregnant," Miku blurted out.
The news shocked Ray, and she continued:
"A couple of years ago, I might have been happy to have his child. But now I realize: to both my father and him, I was something like a tool or a trophy," the girl said, smiling bitterly.
"You have to live for yourself and for this baby. Even if it's Dave's child, the baby isn't at fault," Ray said, and added:
"I know it's unlikely, but it could also be my child. We'll do a genetic test when it's born. And if it's true, I'll help you and be involved in its life. But nothing will change between us."
"If you're truly sorry and want to apologize, I have one request for you."
"I'll do anything," Miku said firmly.
Only after losing Ray did she realize how important he had been to her. She was willing to do a lot to get back on good terms, even if they never became a couple again. She didn't want this man to walk out of her life.
"Take care of the child. No matter who its father is. Stop wearing that ring. We're done. Find a man who will love you. Go your own way. You're very beautiful, and I'm sure you'll find one very quickly."
"I'll do as you ask, and I'll try to be a good mother to my child. But I'm not taking off this ring. It's a sign that I still belong to you. And even knowing you'll never forgive me, I'm not taking it off," Miku said firmly.
"Silly girl... One day, a man will come into your life, and you can fall in love again. Right now, you need to choose a path and move forward. You may be a little foolish, but you're strong. And I believe you can handle this."
After meeting Ray and being discharged from the hospital, Miku finally cut ties with Dave and her father. Fearing the latter might send his men, she declared that any attempt to pressure her would end with her killing both herself and the baby.
She was very grateful to Ray that, despite her betrayal, he hadn't ruined her career. Although she knew perfectly well he had the means to do so. Along with gratitude, Miku felt guilt.
After their relationship ended, she spent most of her time at the recording studio that had once belonged to Ray. A couple of times, they had had sex right here. Now Miku lived on warm memories associated with this place. Competent psychologists might say she shouldn't live in the past, but Miku didn't care.
Six months had passed since Samantha began her training, and it was time to say goodbye. Now Yuno and Samantha were in the latter's room. Gently hugging the girl whose training she had contributed to, Yuno said:
"Don't worry. We've done good work, but don't get cocky, and be careful. I don't want to find your body one day."
During this time, Samantha had become like a sister to Yuno. The thought even crossed her mind to try to convince her to stay. But Yuno understood Samantha well, so she suppressed the impulse.
As if reading her thoughts, Samantha said:
"Don't worry. I've been trained well. Killing me won't be easy."
"I know it's not easy. But I believe that one day, our 'daddy' will see what a wonderful young woman you've grown into. I'll be rooting for you."
When Samantha went to say goodbye to Fox, Deya hugged her tightly. It was clear she didn't want to part. The possibility that her brother was the leader of the "Crimson Devils" made it clear why Samantha had undergone such harsh training. And her zeal and dedication made it clear the girl had been through hell. This was one of those rare moments when Deya felt fear.
But besides not wanting to reveal the truth about her brother, she needed to follow her own plan.
After learning her brother's story, Deya clearly understood one thing: family always comes first. But at the same time, you have to remain human. This led to her relationships with her school friends suffering greatly. But that was a price she was willing to pay.
Stroking the girl's head, Samantha said:
"I don't want to leave either. But you have your brother and Yuno. And my mother is all alone. Don't be so sad. I'll come back. Okay?"
"Bring your mother with you, so she won't be lonely," Deya asked.
"Okay."
Samantha progressed very quickly. When it came time to take her exams, she passed with flying colors. The combat unit commanders, along with the instructors, decided to make her the commander of a new squad. Samantha's success increased Ray's authority.
Only the council members knew who was behind the mask. To the rank-and-file soldiers and staff, he was just a guy who sometimes helped them out. The squad Samantha was put in charge of was named the Erinyes.
When the exams were over, Ray and Sergei met in the latter's office.
"Kid, I don't regret following you. I'm glad, actually. Because I know we've made the world a better place. But I'm old now, and I can't carry this burden anymore," Sergei said.
Looking at the old veteran, Ray agreed with his assessment and replied:
"Prepare a list of candidates. I'll review them and choose someone. Appoint them as your right hand, say for six months. See how they perform. If you see I wasn't wrong in my choice, you can step down. But I want you to remain as an advisor. Before we leave, we need to make sure the new generations don't destroy everything we've shed so much blood for."
"It's all ready," with these words, the old man took out five folders from his desk drawer. They were the personal files of those he considered capable and worthy enough to take his place.
Ray trusted the old veteran. He chose the people, while the planning of combat operations fell on Sergei's and his comrades' shoulders. He also made sure each department did its job and they complemented each other.
"These three I consider the most suitable," Sergei said, setting aside three folders. "The other two are in case you decide none of the three fit."
Ray carefully studied two of the folders, paying no attention to the time. He concluded that the old man hadn't been wrong, and those two were certainly suitable. But when he opened the third folder, he was very surprised to see a familiar name: Kira Smith.
He knew Kira very well and understood she was very capable. But still, he wasn't sure she could bear such a heavy burden. So he looked at the old man.
"I know you and this girl were once friends. And that she's only been here six months. As you asked, I assigned her to work with children and girls who became pregnant after rape. She did very well. That doesn't mean she can manage everything. But it gives her a chance."
"I think you're right. But I'll still look at the statistics of her work results. After six months of probation, it will become clear whether she can handle such a burden. But first, we should talk to her about it."
After saying goodbye to Sergei, Ray went looking for Kira. She wasn't in her room. She was in the medical office. Ray had to wait a few minutes. A few minutes later, a young woman came out of the office. Entering, Ray addressed Kira:
"Are you busy right now? I have a very serious conversation to have."
"I always have time for you. Boss… I still find it hard to believe you've changed so much."
When they went into the office and sat down at the table, the man began to speak:
"Sergei is tired and wants to step down. As a fighter, you're pretty mediocre, but you have a very sharp mind, and I want to offer you his position. You will manage all the resources of our companies, acting as my right hand."
"That's a very interesting offer. But what if I can't handle it?" the girl asked anxiously.
"I'll give you a couple of assignments. You'll have six months to complete them. After that time, I'll evaluate the results. If you succeed—Sergei's position is yours. If not—we'll continue our search for a replacement."
"Okay. I'll try." Kira wasn't interested in power. All she wanted was to do her utmost to help the man who had pulled her and her daughter out of hell.
"Your task is to take over the entire 'Night Butterflies' business under your wing. Don't pressure anyone. If you see someone in a difficult life situation—give them money, help solve their problem. Only take those who consciously choose this path."
"You need to create elite establishments for representatives of the financial and political elite. No one should know that the 'Devils' are behind them. Your job is to gather compromising material. How you do it is up to you."
Pausing, Ray added:
"If any of our girls agree to participate in this—you can bring them in. But Sergei must not know about it. The old man is categorically against this idea. But it's something that needs to be done."
Learning the details of her assignment, Kira realized it would be very difficult. She wasn't entirely sure she could do it. But she decided to give it her all.