The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59-

Chapter 59

In the business world, there was one unspoken rule-never messed with the black market.

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Legitimate business circles had always avoided association with the black market because illegal forces could bankrupt wealthy families overnight.

Still, some people secretly colluded with the black market to gain an edge.

For children of wealthy families like Claire, Hannah, and Maxwell, encountering black market figures felt more surreal than meeting hidden campus experts.

They had heard rumors about masters but never experienced them firsthand.

But people tended to ignore distant threats and idolize what feels closer to reality, like the black market.

While speaking, Claire kept watching Nova’s reaction, hoping the words “black market” would trigger painful memories of humiliation, pain, and scars. Maybe even make her tremble with fear. She was dying to see Nova tremble.

But Nova showed no trace of fear.

Claire couldn’t help thinking, ‘Is her disguise that good?”

She clenched her fists in frustration but had a backup plan. “I know this because I have connections in the black market.

“To be honest, the ones showing up tonight are from the neighboring gang Verdant Reign and their boss. They seem to be closing a deal. Hannie, you and your brother should come with us.”

Claire continued, grinning temptingly, “I have a way in. We can eavesdrop on what they’re really up to. It will be thrilling!”

That finally drew Nova’s gaze toward Claire-a look reserved for those who courted death.

But Claire mistook it for interest and gloated inwardly, ‘Look at Nova, stunned speechless hearing I’m tied to the black

market.’

‘With all her scars, she’s probably never even met a black market higher-up. And me? I know Verdant Reign’s elite!

Claire snorted, raising her chin, “But I’d never bring a scarred mess along. Who knows if she’d mess things up.”

Every word was aimed at Nova.

In the past, Hannah would have joined Claire’s taunts without hesitation, but now she stood silent, holding back.

“What a pathetic little game,” Nova scoffed coldly.

Maxwell stepped forward to shield her. “Nova’s right. This game is too childish. I’m not going.”

Claire fumed. “You… You…” she stammered. Then, she smirked triumphantly. “When I bring back inside intel, I won’t share it with you.

She thought with a smug grin, “They’re just jealous of my connections to Verdant Reign’s elites. Yes! It must be like this.

Claire said smugly, “Hannie, let’s go!”

After Claire pulled Hannah away, Sophia and Ethan arrived.

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Chapter 59.

Zane followed behind Ethan and gazed wistfully at Nova from 30 feet away, not daring to step any closer.

“Hey, Nova.” Sophia happily linked arms with her, noticing Nova wore her usual black outfit-no gown for the grand occasion. She was used to Nova’s casual attitude toward prestigious events.

“Nova, let’s go to the socialite area. Sophia said, slipping her arm through Nova’s and grinning.

But Nova shook her head. “I have something to do. You go ahead.”

“Huh? Well, I’ll wait for you,” Sophia smiled.

Nova pulled Ethan over as a shield. “I’m going to train him. Ethan, let’s go.”

Ethan, who had just arrived, looked bewildered.

From a distance, Zane could only watch as Nova dragged Ethan away, his gaze lingering until they disappeared.

In a shadowy corner of the venue, Nova and Ethan met up with Victor.

“Ready?” Nova asked.

Victor nodded. “Yes. What’s the plan for tonight?”

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Ethan had seen Victor hand over Frostwave Bar to Nova and knew she was now the underground ruler of Ravenport.

Ethan’s handsome face showed curiosity, but he followed Nova obediently. He blinked, thinking, What are we going to do? Forget it. Nova brought me here to see more of the real world.

“Where’s the head of Verdant Reign?” Nova asked.

Victor pointed toward the spiral staircase leading upstairs. It was the only way up to the second floor in The Oceanfront.

He said, “They’re dealing on the second floor, just confirmed. Should we send people up secretly? Or…”

The entrance to the second floor from the main ballroom was blocked by bodyguards. No one could pass.

The separation between upstairs and downstairs mirrored the divide between the underworld and legitimate society-the latter never dared provoke the former.

Nova shook her head. “No need for trouble. Just drop my name and have them invite us up.”

She wanted to see what gave the head of Verdant Reign the nerve to lay claim to turf in Ravenport that she already owned.

Victor hadn’t expected such boldness. He thought, “The head of Verdant Reign is negotiating with some big shots secretly. and she wants to throw her name and storm in. If this backfired, Frostwave Bar might have a new owner.

But knowing Nova’s capabilities, Victor didn’t dare question her. He replied, “Understood.”

Meanwhile, Claire led Hannah around the socialite circle, persuading several others to sneak upstairs and spy on the black market dealings, including Zane and Jessica.

Though the Free Combat Club and Taekwondo Club usually clashed, they had maintained a truce since the fugitive incident.

What made Claire most proud was convincing Nova’s father, Charles, to join.

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Chapter 59-

After a business deal fell through. Charles had no choice but to seek contacts with black market. When he spotted Hannah in the group, he tried talking her out of it, but Hannah insisted on going. Finally, he reluctantly agreed to join.

Claire felt like the group leades proudly guiding them. “Ahead is the main staircase, but that’s black-market exclusive. Barging in would get us killed, let alone get a peek at these big shots.”

“But we have another way.” She led everyone around the spiral staircase, pointing like a tour guide. “See, that’s the second- floor access. But we can’t sneak up, or we’ll-”

Before Claire could even finish her words, she froze. She and the group around her all turned to gaze at the spiral staircase.

At the entrance, Nova led her group like an underworld boss, being respectfully escorted upstairs by second-floor figures,

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