Chapter 500

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500
The nearest shooting range was less than a mile away . During rush hour , the streets bustled with traffic and crowds of people coming and going
The streets echoed with honking cars , the whirring of electric scooters weaving through traffic , and random chimes of warning bells .
Aria glanced at the rearview mirror before checking her phone for Owen’s message at the red light .
Behind her car , a driver and his partner sat tense , eyes locked on Aria’s car ahead .
One of them muttered nervously , “ Did she just make a U – turn ? Did she spot us ? ”
The other whispered , “ The boss said just keep her from going home . It doesn’t matter where she goes as long as she doesn’t return . ”
“ Be careful not to get caught . This woman plays rough , ” one of the men warned his companion .
Moments later , the two men followed Aria into a parking lot .
One of them asked unsteadily , “ Should we follow her ? ”
“ Yes , ” the other replied . “ What if Aria takes a cab home ? If she makes it back , we’re dead meat . ”
They had to stop Aria from going home , no matter what .
The two men pulled on their masks and stealthily exited the car , their eyes fixed on Aria . Using parked vehicles as cover , they mirrored her every move , quick when she was quick , slow when she was slow .
Suddenly , a man in silver – framed glasses approached Aria and draped his arm over her shoulder .
Their hearts lurched , and they instinctively backed away a little .
“ Miss , you’re being followed , ” the man in silver – framed glasses warned her .
Aria instinctively frowned at the stranger’s touch and was just about to shrug him off when he immediately withdrew his arm .
Walking beside her , he lowered his voice and asked , “ Should we call the police now ? ”
“ No need , ” Aria said coolly, stopping abruptly and turning to look behind her .
The two men exchanged miserable looks . “ She must have seen us , ” one of them said .
The other muttered , “ So what if she found us ? It’s not like she can kill us here in Huthailia . She didn’t finish us off last time , either . ”
Seeing that she showed no fear , the man with silver – framed glasses smiled apologetically . “ Oh , so you knew ,” he said . “ My apologies for earlier . ”
His low , mellow voice was laced with concern
Knowing he meant well , Aria said softly , “ It’s all right I appreciate that . ”
“ You’re welcome . ” The man had strikingly handsome features that softened when he smiled . “ They probably haven’t gone far yet . Where are you headed ? Let me walk with you . ”
“ No need , ” Aria said coolly , already turning to leave .
That man chuckled softly , took out a certificate , and showed it to her . “ My name is Elmore Balton . I’m a chemistry professor at Mandino University . Here are my academic credentials . See ? I’m a good guy . Looking out for students is a teacher’s duty . Let me walk you there . ”
Hearing he was a professor at Mandino University , Aria instinctively took the certificate and looked through it with mild curiosity . Looking up , she asked ,
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10:18 Fri , 27 Jun BQ
500
“ Mr. Balton , were you recently appointed ? ”
Elmore nodded slightly . “ Yes, I studied in Dluoland and recently obtained my PhD . I’m originally from Mandino City , so I accepted when Handinas University offered me a professorship . ”
Aria handed the certificate back . “ Those two aren’t a threat . Mr. Balton , you can go ahead with your own business . I’m already at the shooting range
Elmore tucked away the certificate with a light chuckle . “ I’m also heading to the shooting range . Let’s go together . ”
“ Alright , ” Aria replied .
They ignored the men stalking them .
Feeling awkward , Elmore broke the silence first and asked , “ Are you a student at Mandino University ? ”
Aria replied , “ No , I didn’t go to college .”
She spoke calmly , her gaze steady and free of any hint of self – consciousness , as if she were merely stating something that didn’t matter .
Elmore was surprised for a moment . Realizing he’d asked an insensitive question , he said , his voice tinged with guilt , “ Sorry , I shouldn’t have asked .”
“ Why apologize ? ” Aria asked indifferently .
Seeing that she truly didn’t care , Elmore smiled lightly . “ Nothing . ”
They made casual small talk along the way . Finally , they arrived at the shooting range .
AD