Chapter 196 Eavesdropping
This time, they snuck into the Rainbow Federation to meet with a top military official.
The whole reason they chose Sunset Hamlet for the deal was to keep things low-key.
But Hestia's little spat with some random folks really threw a wrench in their plans.
With a gentle nudge, Hestia calmed down a bit and went back to her usual sweet self. She grabbed Grant's hand, her voice a bit shaky, "Shine, I don't want to be like this either, I just feel..."
She leaned in close and whispered, "I just feel like Sophia isn't dead. I even dreamt she said she'd come back to kill me. I'm really scared. Maybe we should ditch this mission and head back?"
As she kept talking, her fear grew, and her eyes started darting around nervously.
She and Sophia used to be super tight, sharing clothes and jewelry. In the Sword of Damocles, Sophia was a big shot and could arrange everything for her.
Over time, people in the Sword of Damocles started saying Hestia only got her position because of Sophia, and without her, Hestia was nothing.
So, she got jealous. They were all hackers, living by their skills. Why should she be the one everyone gossiped about?
When Sophia lay on the ground, covered in blood and struggling until she died, the malice in Hestia's heart grew, and she felt a twisted satisfaction.
But when Sophia really died, she got scared, unsure if she had really killed the powerful Sophia.
Grant got it and hugged her, comforting her softly, "It's okay, Hestia. Dreams and reality are opposites. What we need to do now is rise up and crush those people in the Sword of Damocles. No one can look down on us."
His tone deepened, comforting both Hestia and himself.
With his words, Hestia felt a bit better. She shook Grant's arm and said, "Then let's hit the tavern first."
Their meeting spot this time was a tavern in Sunset Hamlet. It was pricey, so not many people went there, making it perfect for meetings.
In the few days they'd been in the Rainbow Federation, they'd met with the mysterious person three times, and today was the last time.
Backing out wasn't an option, so they had to go all in.
Grant touched the shoulder strap of his backpack, which held both his and Hestia's computers.
As soon as they walked into the tavern, the waiter recognized them and led them to a private room.
The man in the private room had been waiting for a while. His serious expression softened a bit when he saw them, "You're here."
"Mr. X," Grant and Hestia greeted him.
Once they sat down, a petite waitress brought in three glasses of water and casually tossed a crumpled receipt into the trash can.
After some quick small talk, they got down to business.
No one noticed the receipt in the trash can, wrapped around a listening device, flashing a faint red light, transmitting their conversation word for word to Diana.
The waitress who brought the water suddenly took off her clothes and removed her mask after leaving the room, revealing a cute and delicate face.
Evelyn returned the clothes and then skipped into Diana's private room. "Ms. Spencer, the task is complete."
She didn't know why she had to do this, but she trusted Diana's judgment.
Seeing that Diana didn't respond, Evelyn didn't say anything more. She sat on the sofa and sent a message to Jett.
Evelyn: [Jett, we're in private room 3 at the tavern, waiting for you.]
Since the argument on the street, Diana had said there were too many people around and it didn't feel safe.
The bodyguard who parked the car might not know the way, so she asked Jett to bring him over.
They hung out in the tavern, and even though Jett didn't want to leave, it felt safer than being outside.
So, he quietly told Evelyn to keep an eye on Diana and then went out to find his buddy.
This gave Diana the perfect chance to spy on Grant and the others.
Earlier, when they were on the road, Evelyn had kept a low profile, blending in.
Diana had paid some cash to get her dressed as a waitress and intercept the water delivery.
As the rustling sounds came through the earpiece, two voices spoke at the same time, wrapping up their conversation.
"Pleasure doing business!"
"Pleasure doing business, we'll get on it ASAP."
When the private room door opened, Diana smiled, took off her earpiece, and told Evelyn, "Meet me outside in twenty minutes."
Evelyn blinked, looking a bit worried, "Ms. Spencer, are you gonna do something dangerous? How about I help you?"
Diana shook her head, patted her on the head, and reassured her, "No, I'm just gonna have a chat. Besides, the bodyguards will be here soon, I won't be in any danger."
She paused for a moment, then added, "Evelyn, you'll keep my secret, right?"
Evelyn bit her lip, still confused. Did Diana know that couple? Why were they following them?
Since Diana asked, she would comply. "Ms. Spencer, don't worry, I'll keep your secret."
Diana smiled with satisfaction, took off the earpiece and put it in her pocket, then turned and left the private room.
Not far away, Hestia held Grant's arm and said softly, "Grant, I'm going to the restroom, wait for me."
After saying that, she let go of his hand and walked towards the restroom.
Seeing this, Grant casually found a place to sit and waited for Hestia to come out.
Diana's gaze remained on the computer bag beside him, her eyes darkening.
She then walked slowly to the bar and raised her voice, "I'd like a glass of juice."
The bartender raised an eyebrow. This was a bar, and people came here to drink alcohol. What was the point of just drinking juice?
"Miss, we don't sell juice here. If you're afraid of the alcohol content, I can recommend a drink for you."
Diana asked, "Don't you use juice to make cocktails?"
"Yes." The bartender responded.
"Then just pour me a glass of juice."
Her unreasonable request quickly caught Grant's attention.
When he saw her face, he realized it was the same person they had encountered on the road.
The bartender continued to refuse, "Miss, we don't sell juice separately. Why don't you try next door?"
The tavern had its rules. If everyone bought juice like this, how could they do business?
"Sell her a glass, I'll pay the price of a drink." Grant suddenly spoke, attracting both of their gazes.
Diana pretended to notice him for the first time, her tone puzzled, "It's you?"
Grant nodded and smiled, "Yes, it's me. I'll buy you this drink as an apology for earlier."
The bartender pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow.
It was ridiculous to pay as much for a juice as for a drink. He couldn't fathom the extravagance of the wealthy. Since that was the case, the tavern's rules could be bent.
His tone became ingratiating, "We have orange, grape, apple, and pomegranate. Miss, which flavor would you like? Sir, would you like a drink as well?"
Grant shook his head, about to speak, but Diana interrupted, "Grape. And I want three mousse cakes, five red tea puddings, and two ice creams. He's paying."
She pointed at Grant, unceremoniously adding more items for herself, then said, "Since you're apologizing, it's okay if I order more, right?"
Grant was speechless but quickly responded, "Of course, it's no problem. It's my honor to treat such a beautiful lady."
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