Chapter 315 A Single Glance Too Many
Reese swiveled, her surprise genuine at his sudden appearance. It all made sense now, the abrupt end to their earlier call. He had orchestrated his arrival to coincide with hers.
Nolan wasted no time in mincing words with Everhart. "Reese is the one for this task. You're simply not cut out for it."
He was well acquainted with Reese's capabilities. Her tenacity and determination were unparalleled, a rarity among the many he had encountered in his lifetime.
His insistence on Reese wasn't out of favoritism; he had tried others before. But the Harmony Alliance was a formidable adversary, and their attempts had been met with significant losses.
He had been grappling with this issue when, fortuitously, Reese seemed to walk right into the fray.
Everhart, however, was steadfast in his resolve. "You needn't worry, Nolan. I assure you, I can handle this."
Nolan's chuckle was laced with sarcasm, a cigarette dangling from his fingers, his face betraying a cunning strategy.
"Everhart, it's not that I doubt you, but this isn't a time for impulsive decisions. This task is beyond your capabilities. Reese's strength is vital for this job!"
Nolan's words may have seemed light-hearted, but those who knew him well could discern the firm resolve beneath his jest.
Arguments were futile; he was resolute in his decision for Reese to undertake the task.
Everhart's brow furrowed. "Nolan, I implore you, don't send Reese. Her survival is a gamble."
"And you're no better. If she can't handle it, you'd be mere cannon fodder," Nolan retorted, unafraid to be blunt with Everhart. It was, after all, the bitter truth.
"But you're sending Reese to her death? She's been invaluable to the organization," Everhart argued.
"Silence, Everhart. Who do you think you are, dictating my decisions? You're out of your depth!" Nolan's anger was palpable, his eyes glinting with a cold cunning that sent shivers down the spine. "Don't forget how Reese came to be with us. Wasn't it you who manipulated her for your own benefit?"
"I…" Everhart found himself speechless.
"I expect you to honor your promise, Nolan. Or else, you're aware of my temper. I may not have been able to touch you before, but now... I can certainly make things difficult for you."
"Reese! Have you lost your senses? The Harmony Alliance isn't a place you can just waltz into, especially..."
"Everhart, you're the one who's lost it," Reese interjected, her voice laced with disdain. "After everything, we have no ties. Your concern only makes you appear hypocritical."
Reese was indifferent to his worry. She desired nothing more than to sever all ties with Everhart. If it weren't for his past kindness, he wouldn't even be in her presence.
Nolan found the tension between Reese and Everhart amusing. Love was a peculiar thing – the more you cared for someone, the less they seemed to reciprocate.
And yet, he couldn't let go. Everhart likely never anticipated this day.
Manipulating Reese for his own gain and now attempting to play the hero—it was laughable.
Fed up with the young duo's bickering, Nolan declared, "The decision's been made. Reese, you'll depart in three days. If any issues arise, we can provide support, but..."
"There's no need. I don't trust your people," Reese interrupted him, her voice sharp and unwavering. She had learned her lesson years ago.
She wouldn't be the naive girl she once was, placing her trust in them again.
Nolan admired Reese's spirit, clapping his hands in a slow, deliberate rhythm.
"True to the talent I recognized. You've got guts."
Reese's gaze was icy, her eyes sharp as blades, filled with animosity towards Nolan.