Chapter 689

689 Chapter 688

Erin had been waiting outside for who knows how long. Judging by the number of pistachio shells in the trash can beside her, she had been there for quite some time.

She had even dragged a chair from somewhere and parked it right there, sitting comfortably like she was waiting for something to happen.

When Keira spotted her, she immediately frowned and exchanged a quick look with Lewis.

Their mission tonight was to head to the border—a dangerous operation to help Barry Brandt return home. It was crucial that everything went smoothly, with no unnecessary complications.

Erin was unpredictable. One moment, she was cheerful and agreeable; the next, she was impossible to read. Keira couldn’t afford to bring someone like that along, not with stakes this high.

But Erin just got up from her chair, completely unbothered, and chirped, “Let’s go! I’m all set p>

She patted the small backpack she had slung over her shoulder.

“What exactly are you ‘set’ with?” Keira asked suspiciously.

They were traveling light, carrying only what was necessary for the mission.

Erin, without the slightest hint of shame, replied, “Pistachios, of course! It’s a long drive to the border, right? Gotta have snacks, or it’ll be so boring p>

Keira stared at her, trying to keep her patience. “Erin, you know I’m not taking you with us p>

Erin grinned mischievously. “Then I’ll just let the other South family heirs know what you’re up to p>

Keira’s eyes turned cold in an instant.

Erin leaned in, voice laced with mock innocence, “Or better yet, I don’t even need to tell them. I could just tip off Country A—after all, Barry Brandt is trying to defect from them p>

Keira lunged forward, intent on restraining her, but Erin anticipated the move and tried to dodge. However, she wasn’t nearly as agile as Keira, who quickly caught her and pinned her arms behind her back.

“Ow, ow, ow! Keira, let go!” Erin yelped, wriggling in pain.

Keira didn’t budge.

Erin glanced up at her. “I’ve already set up a timed email. If you try to keep me here, that email gets sent out in two hours. I’m the only one who can stop it. You can tie me up or even kill me, but the intel will get out either way p>

Keira narrowed her eyes in frustration.

Erin batted her lashes playfully. “Your best bet is to take me with you. Keep an eye on me the whole time, and that way, you can relax p>

Keira sighed, realizing Erin had her cornered.

If it were anyone else, Keira would’ve dealt with them already. But Erin, with her spoiled, princess-like demeanor, was just too delicate to hit.

Taking a deep breath, Keira finally released her.

Lewis stepped forward. “Let her come p>

Keira looked over at Erin, still conflicted.

Even though they were technically rivals, Keira couldn’t bring herself to genuinely dislike Erin, who, despite her antics, never seemed to mean any harm.

“On this trip…” Keira began.

“I’ll be on my best behavior!” Erin interrupted, eyes wide with exaggerated innocence. She raised two fingers in a scout’s promise. “Cross my heart p>

Her expression was almost rabbit-like in its sincerity.

Keira just shook her head, giving up on arguing. She and Lewis headed downstairs, with Erin happily skipping behind them, still snacking on pistachios.

When they reached the parking lot, Keira and Lewis chose the most reliable vehicle for the trip.

“I’ll drive,” Lewis said. “We’re on a tight schedule p>

“Fine by me p>

Keira climbed into the passenger seat, securing her backpack beside her.

She was just getting settled when she heard rustling from the backseat. Turning around, she was shocked to see Erin inflating an air mattress. Within minutes, Erin had transformed the backseat into her personal cozy nook, complete with a blanket, pillow, and even a small folding table she’d somehow hauled out of her own car.

Erin stretched out on her makeshift bed, took a sip from a teacup she’d brought along, and sighed contentedly. “Ah, too many pistachios. They make you thirsty… Why are you two staring at me? Let’s get going p>

Keira’s jaw clenched. “Is she serious p>

Lewis could only chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief as he started the engine.

As they drove, Keira occasionally glanced back. After a while, she noticed the soft, rhythmic sound of breathing. Turning around, she saw Erin curled up in her blanket, fast asleep.

Completely unguarded.

Keira stared for a moment, then whispered to Lewis, “Is she really that confident I won’t hurt her p>

Lewis kept his eyes on the road. “Keira, you might act all tough and aloof, but deep down, you’re a softie p>

“What?” Keira blinked, taken aback. “Soft? Me p>

Lewis smirked. “She’s got you all figured out p>

Keira sighed, realizing he was right.

They drove for twelve hours straight, finally arriving at the border by dawn.

Cautious and alert, Keira and Lewis disembarked, with Erin trailing behind. Together, they boarded a boat to cross into Country A and ensure Barry Brandt’s safe return to Crera.