Chapter 271

Chapter 271

Milton looked at him for a few seconds in silence.

Then his shoulders slowly relaxed, as if some weight had been lifted.

He reached out and clapped Reginald on the shoulder. "Alright. That's all I needed to hear. My sister—"

"I'll take care of her."

Milton nodded. He didn't say anything more. He turned and disappeared into the night.

Reginald stood there, watching that figure fade beyond the reach of the streetlights. Then he turned, looked up at the top-floor window still glowing softly, and let his mouth curve just slightly.

He turned and walked toward the gate.

The next day, in the main lecture hall.

Lucinda strolled in, one hand in her pocket, moving at her own unhurried pace.

Behind her, Layla clutched her books. Though still a little nervous, her spine was noticeably straighter.

Several seats in the back row sat empty.

Saskia and her group of socialite lackeys—who'd been so arrogant yesterday—hadn't shown up today.

Layla tugged anxiously at Lucinda's sleeve. "Lucinda... Saskia and the others aren't here today. Do you think they took the day off? I have a bad feeling. They're definitely planning something."

Lucinda pulled out a chair and sat down, flipping open her book casually. Her voice was cool. "Let them plan. When they can't hold it in anymore, they'll come find us."

"Exactly. Layla, don't be scared!" A carton of warm milk slid across the table.

Tamsin propped her chin in her hand and leaned over, winking at Layla. "With Lucinda around, even if the sky falls, she'll hold it up. And besides, you've got me too."

Lucinda glanced at Tamsin out of the corner of her eye. Her lips curved slightly.

One class ended.

The senior academician lectured enthusiastically at the front. The students listened intently.

Layla gripped her pen, palms sweating, but she was completely focused.

This was the first time she'd ever sat in this classroom—openly, legitimately absorbing knowledge.

The bell rang.

Layla clutched her textbook tightly, eyes reddening slightly, and looked at Lucinda with genuine gratitude. "Lucinda, thank you. If it weren't for you... I'd probably still be hiding by the back door, listening like some kind of thief."

"Don't thank me. The class is offered by the institute. Your brain is your own." Lucinda closed her book and stood. "Let's go. Lunch."

"I know a noodle place in the alley behind campus—it's amazing. My treat!" Tamsin suggested eagerly.

The three of them walked out together, turning into the narrow, quiet alley beside the institute.

The afternoon alley was deep, flanked by weathered brick walls that gave off a cool shade.

They'd just reached the middle of the alley when all three stopped in their tracks.

Ahead, several black-suited bodyguards stood in a line, blocking the way forward.

Behind them, the exit had also been cut off by two heavily built men.

"Well, well. Right on time."

A voice dripping with malice rang out.

Saskia stepped out from behind the bodyguards.

She'd changed into a sharp leather jacket and heavy makeup, but it still couldn't hide the viciousness in her eyes.

Beside her stood the same arrogant entourage from yesterday.

"Lucinda, who the hell do you think you are?" Saskia's voice was venomous. "Some adopted daughter the Douglas family didn't even want. You think a few shady tricks make you better than me? I did my homework. You come down this alley every day. Today, I finally caught you."

Layla's face went white. She instinctively moved to stand in front of Lucinda. "Saskia! What are you planning? This is right next to the institute!"

"So what if it's next to the institute?" Saskia sneered arrogantly. "This is a blind spot. Even if I wreck you all here today, no one will know."

Tamsin's eyes flickered with something unreadable. She glanced subtly at Lucinda.

Lucinda's eyelids lowered. When she lifted them again, her cool eyes were suddenly brimming with panic. "What... what are you doing?"

Lucinda took a step back, her voice trembling. "Saskia, we were just competing academically. Why are you targeting us like this? Why bring people to corner us?"

Tamsin caught on immediately. Her face shifted into an expression of terror, and she grabbed Layla's arm. "Lucinda, we need to run! There's too many of them!"

"Run? Think you can?" Saskia's smugness peaked. "Lucinda, weren't you so cocky yesterday?"

Saskia stepped closer, jabbing a finger at her nose. "You're just riding on a little talent and seducing some big shot at the core institute, aren't you? A bottom-feeder like you—why should you get the academician's favor? Why should you steal my spotlight? I'm telling you, I'm jealous. I can't stand the sight of you. Today, I'm not even giving you a chance to beg."

"Oh? Is that so?" Lucinda's voice suddenly changed.

The panic vanished completely.

She calmly pulled out her phone. On the screen was a recording—Saskia's entire tirade, crystal clear.

"Thanks for the cooperation. Evidence secured." Lucinda handed the phone to Tamsin behind her, her gaze icy as it swept over Saskia. "Jealousy. Nice of you to admit it so freely."

Saskia froze. Then it hit her—she'd been played. Her face went from white to livid, twisting with rage. "You set me up? Get her! Break that hand! Grab the phone and smash it!"

A dozen burly bodyguards roared and charged at Lucinda all at once.

"Step back." Lucinda's voice was calm as still water.

Tamsin yanked the stunned Layla back into the corner.

The alley was narrow. But for Lucinda, it was perfect.

The first bodyguard's heavy fist came straight at her face. Lucinda didn't move. When the fist was only inches away, she tilted her head slightly—a blur—and dodged.

In the same motion, she grabbed his wrist and twisted hard.

A sickening crack of bone.

Before he could scream, Lucinda drove her knee into his abdomen.

The massive man crumpled like a cooked shrimp.

"Everyone, go!"

The rest swarmed her.

Lucinda moved like a wisp of smoke, impossibly agile in the narrow space.

Her strikes had no flourish. Every move hit a vital point. Brutal. Precise.

Side kick. Shoulder throw. Elbow strike.

In under two minutes, the ground was littered with bodies. Groans of pain echoed through the alley.

The socialites Saskia had brought were pale as ghosts, huddled against the wall, trembling.

Saskia stared at Lucinda walking toward her. Her legs gave out. She collapsed onto the ground.

As Lucinda stopped in front of her, Saskia broke down completely, sobbing and shaking. "I was wrong... Lucinda, I was really wrong! It was Dahlia! She set me up! She said you were some unwanted adopted daughter and told me to teach you a lesson... I'll never do it again, please, just let me go!"