Chapter 56: A Life-Saving Grace

Austin went quiet for a couple of seconds before saying, "Dad, maybe Michael just ain't as good as Charles, you know?"

From what he saw during that suburban mission, Austin thought Charles's feelings for Anya seemed pretty real. But Michael? Yeah, he took care of Anya for eight years, but Austin, with his cop instincts, always felt Michael's feelings were kinda... complicated.

Something just felt off.

Lester was a bit taken aback that Austin didn't mind Anya being with Charles.

But right now, Lester was more worried about Anya and Michael. "Austin, they've been together for eight years. What the heck happened?"

Austin's eyes got a bit darker. "I heard it's some old family drama."

Lester's face got serious. "Anya's parents?"

Austin nodded, "Michael hasn't spilled the whole story. We're still in the dark."

After thinking for a bit, Lester told Austin, "Austin, try to dig up what's going on with Michael."

"Got it," Austin replied.

Lester added, "With your special status, don't let Anya know who you are. We don't wanna put her in danger."

Austin got it. Otherwise, he would've told Anya he was her cousin when they first met at Radiant Life Hospital.

Austin looked at Lester, who was clearly missing Anna, and said, "Dad, for Anya's safety, you shouldn't reveal your identity either."

Lester was annoyed that his intention was seen through by his son. He glared at Austin and said, "Got it! You boss people around all day at work, and now you're bossing me around at home!"

Seeing Austin's blank face, Lester poured himself a cup of tea and asked, "Anya got hitched at twenty-three. You're thirty. When are you gonna bring me a daughter-in-law?"

Before Lester could finish, Austin, who was being nagged about marriage, stood up, gave Lester a quick look, and started heading out, "I got work. I'm out."

Seeing his son's indifferent attitude, Lester slammed the teacup on the table in frustration.

Austin's job was intense. He'd been trained since he was a kid, facing life-and-death situations all the time. Every day, he was dealing with either fugitives or criminals. He was always surrounded by either a bunch of tough soldiers or old detectives. Lester was genuinely worried Austin would spend his whole life on the job.

Even though Lester worried every day, Austin was already on this path, and there was no turning back. Plus, even if Austin wanted to quit and take over the Stewart family, the top brass wouldn't let go of such a rare talent.

Meanwhile, as soon as Austin got back to the Crystal City SWAT team, he saw Tina in the police station lobby. Patrick and a few SWAT guys were huddled around Tina, chatting her up. When they saw Austin walk in, they quickly stepped aside.

Patrick's eyes lit up with mischief as he looked between Austin and the stunning actress who was staring right at him. Clearing his throat, Patrick tried to keep a straight face and said loudly, "Austin, there's a young lady here to see you!"

He practically shouted it, making sure the whole SWAT team knew a girl was there for Austin.

Austin shot Patrick a cold glare. Then he turned to Tina, who stood up from her chair. His brows knitted together, "Miss Green, what do you need?"

Tina raised an eyebrow and sauntered over, "Austin, you saved my life twice. I gotta repay you."

"That's not necessary," Austin said, his face like stone. "Miss Green, you can leave now."

Tina pouted and stopped a few feet away from him, "Austin, don't be so cold. I rushed over as soon as filming wrapped up."

Austin asked, "Miss Green, how did you know I was here?"

Patrick and the others immediately looked guilty. Before Tina could answer, they quickly said, "Austin, you two talk. We'll get back to work."

They scurried off, but soon enough, a few heads popped up in the corner, eavesdropping.

Austin looked at Tina, "Miss Green, go back. I have work to do."

He turned to leave, but Tina quickly blocked his path. Her captivating eyes locked onto his icy stare, her red lips curving into a smile. "Austin, I owe you my life. Twice. From now on, I'm yours!"

Patrick and the others, hiding in the corner, were wide-eyed.

Tina had guts!

Austin was the SWAT team's cold, silent enigma, feared by even the toughest criminals, even the most dangerous international criminals. He was as untouchable as the snow on a mountaintop. Countless women admired him, but none had ever dared to confess their feelings to his face.

Tina was something else.

Austin's cold gaze bore into Tina. Anyone else would've been scared stiff by now. But Tina met his gaze head-on, not flinching an inch.

After a moment, Austin looked away. His lips parted coldly, "Sorry, Miss Green, I don't need your repayment."

To make sure Tina got the message, Austin added, "Miss Green, the first time I saved you was because you got hurt because of me; the second time was just part of my job. Many people were injured in that suburban incident. You were just one of them."

Austin's meaning was clear.

If everyone he saved wanted to repay him like Tina, the SWAT team wouldn't need to take on any more missions.