Chapter 205 Malcolm's Other Identity
Reese drove directly to a private clinic, as Louis's gunshot wound naturally ruled out a public hospital visit, which would have led to an official investigation and unwanted complications.
After ensuring Malcolm hadn't arranged for anyone to follow her, Reese exhaled in relief and called Calvin to come over.
Upon arriving at Louis's room, she pushed the door open to find Kay watching over Louis. Both started to rise as Reese entered.
"Miss Brooks."
"Miss Brooks."
Seeing Louis attempting to get up, Reese quickly gestured, "No, stay down. Your health is more important."
Louis, seeing Reese, showed a trace of guilt as he lowered his head, his voice weakened from his condition.
"Miss Brooks, I'm sorry. We botched the operation and exposed you. Did Malcolm ask you anything?"
He was all too aware of Reese's unique situation since her identity was not limited to just this one; there were many layers involved.
Reese didn't want to burden them with these personal affairs, especially since the mission's failure wasn't their fault.
"It's nothing. I've already cleared it up with him. Don't worry about it; the main thing now is for you to recover. Louis, here, this is for you. Take it."
She suddenly pulled out a card from her bag and handed it to Louis. Kay, witnessing this, couldn't help but exclaim in shock.
"Miss Brooks, that card is one of the Supreme Limited Black Cards! There are only five in the world with unlimited credit, accepted anywhere!"
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Note: The above translation adapts the original text to a Western setting by changing terms of address and cultural references to suit an American context while preserving the gist of the narrative. Elements like the "Supreme Limited Black Card" indicate exclusivity and wealth, which resonate with the American ultra-elite's lifestyle.
That card wasn't just incredibly useful; it was also a statement of immense power and influence. It's not something you could just buy with money.
Miss Brooks was really generous to offer such a prestigious card to Louis.
Even Louis was taken aback. He quickly waved his hands in refusal. "Miss Brooks, this is too much. I can't accept this card, please take it back."
Many wealthy and powerful people had tried and failed to obtain this card. It was reserved for those of distinguished status and significant clout. Usually, Miss Brooks hardly ever used it, which meant she must have treasured it. How could he take something so beloved from her?
But Reese was adamant. She tilted her head toward Louis and said, "You've been with me long enough to know what I'm like. Have I ever taken back something that I've decided to give away?"
Louis and Kay exchanged glances, acknowledging the truth in her words.
Anyone who worked for Miss Brooks knew her word was final. She despised hesitation and indecision, and being a direct and decisive person herself, she naturally had no patience for those who dragged their feet.
This was part of the reason they followed her without a second thought—they admired her candor. Miss Brooks' personality was one they all cherished, and it was even more captivating that a woman displayed such boldness and fortitude. It wasn't romantic affection but a deep respect.
In the end, Louis accepted the card. "Well, thank you, Miss Brooks."
Next to him, Kay's eyes practically sparkled with envy. "Had I known, I would've taken a bullet for Miss Brooks too."
Reese chuckled and gave him a playful knock on the head.
"You're out of your mind if you think that's something to wish for. Only lucky Louis would come out of something like that unscathed. If he hadn’t, you’d be singing a different tune."
Feeling awkward, Kay scratched his head. "I was just kidding, Miss Brooks."
Just then, Calvin crept in, a far cry from his usual suave demeanor.
He hesitated at the door before tentatively calling out, “Reese.”
Kay hurriedly alerted her. "Miss Brooks, Calvin is here."
Reese turned her head, caught a glimpse of his sheepish look, and gave him an eye roll.
"Be a man. If you’ve made a mistake, own up to it."
Finally, Calvin made his way in and earnestly apologized to Reese and Louis, who was still in the hospital bed.
"Louis, Reese, my bad this time, I'm sorry. Tell you what, I'll fork over my entire savings from last month to make it up to you. And Louis, I've had my eye on this pretty girl recently. She's totally your type. How about I take one for the team and let you have a go?"
Louis chuckled. "Cut it out! Not everyone's out there chasing skirts like you. My heart belongs to Miss Brooks, and Miss Brooks alone, you get me?"
Calvin grinned. "My bad, my bad! Slipped my mind that you're devoted to Reese."
Reese brought the conversation back to business. "How's the investigation you're on coming along, Calvin?"
"I've got it. The Triple Alliance guys know their stash was hijacked. They're snooping around us. Whether they nail us or not depends on their own skills," Calvin responded, suddenly all seriousness.
Reese's gaze darkened, and her brows furrowed. "Just be careful. It's better if they find nothing. If they trace it back to us, we're in for a world of trouble."
Plus, with Malcolm now keeping secrets from her, getting caught in her first cover wasn't a big deal, but if he uncovered the power behind her, storms would definitely brew.
Curious, Calvin asked, "Reese, are you worried Malcolm's onto you?"
"No duh!"
"He shouldn't be able to trace it back to you, right?" Calvin thought Malcolm lacked the chops. Otherwise, he would've figured it out by now.
Without a hint of politeness, Reese smacked him on the back of his head.
"Have you gone soft in the head chasing women? If Malcolm didn't have it in him, how'd he know I was on that train, easily handling those special forces? You think they're pushovers?"
If she hadn't been suspicious, why would she have sent Calvin to dig into Malcolm?
Louis half-jokingly chimed in. "Miss Brooks, what's with you and your hubby now? You're doubting each other. He’s investigating you, and now you're checking up on him. Don't tell me you both have some serious secrets!"
At the mention of this, Kay clapped his hands joyfully. "Well, that's just great! If Malcolm is already in Miss Brooks' camp, pulling him to our side would only make us stronger, wouldn't it?"
Calvin glared at Kay, annoyed. "Have you lost your mind? We don't even know if Malcolm is friend or foe yet. Besides, Reese doesn't want to blow her cover too soon, and why would Malcolm? If they're actually enemies, by blurting this out, you’re endangering us all."
Kay felt the sting of Calvin's scathing words, shamefacedly dropping his head.
"It was just an offhand remark, you know?"
Reese caught the vibe that they were still up for jests, shooting them each a frosty glance.
"Drop the trivialities, Calvin, and spill what you found out. Is Malcolm really the man he says he is?"
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