The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

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Jordan stumbled, nearly falling. He stepped a few steps back before barely regaining his balance.

He stared wide–eyed at Nova, whose gaze was cold, sharp, and utterly serious.

He swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “Nova, don’t joke like that. If I took it seriously, I’d have to arrest you.” His tone was stiff and serious–and precisely because of his rigidity, he didn’t believe her words at all.

He continued. “If you were really a fugitive, why would you agree to help me catch other fugitives? You’d have joined them against us! No fugitive helps an officer nab their own kind–it’s like turning yourself in.”

Little did Jordan know that Nova was exactly that kind of “exception.”

But Nova didn’t argue further, simply curling her lips into a smile as if humoring him. She thought, ‘Confessing in front of an officer yet not being believed. Having the disguise of a schoolgirl is good.’

In fact, Nova’s statement was a test of Jordan’s reaction, and more deeply, it was a reverse psychological suggestion.

By admitting her identity, she led him to refute it, cementing in his mind the belief that “if she were really a fugitive, she’d never joke about it.”

Even if some clues about being an international fugitive surfaced later, he wouldn’t suspect her.

It was a mercenary’s psychological tactic against opponents.

Nova smiled and changed the subject, “I’m heading out. Contact me if you need anything.”

With that, she walked toward the left staircase on the cafeteria’s second floor, her figure gradually fading from

view.

*****

The duel tournament lasted three full days, keeping students‘ excitement high for the next two days.

Things stayed calm on Nova’s side. After her talk with Jordan, he hadn’t contacted her again, likely still preparing, needing to stay undercover before confronting international fugitives head–on.

After the duel tournament, Fiona saw her three children return home together.

Fiona paid particular attention to Maxwell and Hannah. She remembered how after every single tournament, they would return home bearing the marks of battle. Yet this year, both were unharmed and even in high spirits.

Fiona felt relieved, crediting Nova for persuading her siblings not to fight recklessly.

Sitting in her wheelchair, Fiona took Nova’s hand and said warmly, “Nova, it’s all thanks to you. You’re such a sensible girl.

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Chapter 48

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“I’ve always said, the important thing is safety, no bloodshed in competitions. You’ve done wonderfully.”

Hannah, who was drinking water, choked and spat it out at the words “sensible girl.” She thought of all the times Nova had driven her

crazy.

Even Maxwell, usually the calm one, couldn’t help but give a bitter smile and cut in, “Mom, we’re not hurt. Zane got injured. His arm’s broken, and his chin’s busted. Nova did it.” Things were not as peaceful as Fiona imagined.

Fiona’s heart leaped into her throat. So stunned, she could only gape at Nova.

It was understandable. In her mind, Nova had never stepped out of line. She was a well–behaved, sensible girl.

Besides, Maxwell and Hannah hadn’t mentioned when Nova snatched a gun from some punk at a bar and actually fired it, let alone her fight with wolves on a survival trip.

So Fiona always saw Nova as a model child.

Hearing Maxwell’s words, Fiona asked Nova in shock, “Nova, you… Did you learn self–defense somewhere? I was planning to hire you a martial arts teacher. Why didn’t you mention you’d already trained?”

Nova nodded and replied frankly, “Yes. For survival.”

To Hannah and Maxwell, the word “survival” sounded normal. They had seen the scars on Nova’s body and knew she had been a war correspondent and survived the slums.

They guessed that Nova had learned all that back then. After all, she had to face war zones. To survive, she had no choice but to train herself.

But to Fiona, it cut deep, conjuring images of kidnapping, trafficking, and dark ordeals. She thought, ‘My poor girl… All these years out on her own, she had to learn survival skills just to get by?‘

Too afraid to ask for details and face a harsh truth, she could only try to make up for it.

Fiona wheeled closer to Nova and patted her hand gently. “My baby… It won’t be like that anymore.”

Seeing the sadness on Fiona’s face, Hannah and Maxwell exchanged a look but chose not to reveal Nova’s real past. They stayed silent out of shared understanding.

“By the way, Mom, we-” Maxwell tried to lighten the mood.

But before he could finish, Nova cut in, “Mom, would you mind if I took a look at your leg injury?” She stood straight, letting Fiona lean against her affectionately, but her tone remained flat.

On the surface, Nova did look cold–hearted–that was just her way. In truth, she struggled to express warmth.

She hadn’t brought it up earlier to avoid hurting Fiona. Now, feeling closer to her family, the timing felt right.

Hannah no longer targeted Nova as she once had–as long as Nova didn’t cross a line.

Hannah knew Fiona well–incredibly sensitive. Ever since that car accident, Fiona had kept her injury hidden,

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Chapter 48

never letting anyone see her damaged legs. Nova’s blunt words felt like salt in a wound.

Hot–tempered as ever, Hannah yelled at Nova, “What’s wrong with you? Are you doing this on purpose? You know Mom got hurt because of you. Why bring it up? You’ve gone too far! You-”

Before Hannah could finish, Nova’s next words struck her silent. “I can heal Mom’s injury. So let me see it.” Her tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt.

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