Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 501

The tactical leader had no idea who she was, nor did he believe a young woman like her could possibly solve their current crisis.

"Stop interfering," the leader barked. "We've been at a stalemate with them for half an hour without breaching their defenses. Are you trying to get yourself killed by going in there?"

"Watch how you speak to my girl. If she says she can fix this, she can. She's leagues beyond any of you." The old man couldn't stand anyone underestimating his protégé.

Back in Mistralia Country, when they were in Lyran facing Wilson—that scumbag kingpin of the underground black market with a massive syndicate behind him—hadn't his girl decimated his forces in seconds?

Who did these guys think they were looking down on?

His "sweet" student was absolutely ruthless.

Luke Lowell and Adrian Jordan weren't fully aware of Stella's capabilities either. Luke stepped forward, saying, "Ms. Hawthorne, it's too dangerous to go in alone. We'll come with you."

They were under Vincent's strict orders to protect her. They couldn't let anything happen to her on their watch.

"You don't need to follow me. I won't put myself in danger."

She still preferred to slip in solo; more people meant more unpredictable variables.

"No way, we have our orders." Luke flat-out refused to let her go in by herself. The risk was too high.

Adrian, who wasn't as familiar with her, stayed silent, but his resolute expression made it clear he intended to back her up too.

Julius Blackwood knew his young wife. Once she set her mind to something, she saw it through. All he could do was support her.

He flashed his credentials to the tactical leader. "Let her in. If she says she can do it, she can. I'll take full responsibility if anything goes wrong."

He knew Stella wasn't one to make empty promises. If she said she could resolve it, she had a solid plan. All he needed to do was have her back.

Still, the enemies were heavily armed. He pressed his own sidearm into her hand and said, "Take this."

Stella's heart warmed at Julius's unyielding support and understanding, but the sentiment barely lasted two seconds.

She had no choice but to scrap her straightforward breach plan.

Her mind raced, quickly formulating Plan B.

Seeing someone vouch for her, the tactical leader naturally didn't stop her anymore. But deep down, he was highly skeptical that a single woman could take down a room full of suicidal thugs.

These people were delusional. Instead of talking her out of it, they were indulging her recklessness.

Regardless, if she ended up dead inside, it wasn't on him.

Whoever vouched for her could deal with the fallout.

Fenton, however, opted out.

"Kiddo, my old bones aren't cut out for this. I won't tag along. I'll wait out here for you."