The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80

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No one in this world would on down money that came their way, no matter the amount. Nova was no exception.

Standing at the classroom door, a faint, predatory smile touched her lips as she replied in a professional tone, “I accept your

commission.”

Hearing her answer, Felix, on the other end of the line, relaxed instantly. But for some reason, a strange thought crossed his mind, ‘Could Nova have been a mercenary before returning to the Blake family? How else is she so practiced at this?’

Still, whatever the case, when they were isolated and helpless, facing a group of highly skilled assassins, Nova was willing to help.

Felix replied softly, “Thank you.”

*****

Leisurely school days always passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the next day-the departure date for the hot spring trip.

For students at ordinary schools, a fun activity like a hot spring trip would be a rare, highly anticipated event that no one would want to miss.

But for students at SLRA, who had such trips every year and other events, many far more exciting, the novelty had long since worn off.

This year, barely anyone even bothered joining it. All in all, only about 200 students signed up by the deadline.

After a long, bumpy seven-hour bus ride away from Morales, the five buses carrying the students finally arrived at The Greenwood Hotel in Janelle.

True to its name, The Greenwood was a large standalone hotel built on the edge of a forest, far from the city’s noise. Its scale was impressive, and the air was exceptionally fresh and uplifting.

“Hey, I saw the open-air hot springs in the back.”

“I heard the hot springs here are all natural. I can’t wait to try them.”

On the bus, Nova leaned back with her eyes shut, the students’ excited cheers reaching her ears.

She sat with Felix, Evie, Freya, and the other two. Since she had accepted their hiring request, it was fiatural for her to stay close and protect them.

Although Sophia was curious how Nova knew Felix’s group, she was too shy to ask.

Sitting next to Nova, she whispered excitedly, “Nova, I heard Ethan came, too. Didn’t he come looking for you?”

Nova replied flatly, “No.” She had always taken a hands-off approach with Ethan, rarely interfering or imposing restrictions.

It was worth noting that for this hot springs trip, almost all of the school’s top male and female heartthrobs had come- except for Jessica from the Taekwondo Club.

Hannah and Claire sat in the back row of the same bus.

Claire had always disliked Nova, especially recently when Nova was gaining attention, and the school’s annual campus queen election was approaching.

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In previous years Claire hadn’t worried much. Aside from her, Hannah, and Jessica, there were hardly any other competitors. But this year….

Claire shot a hateful glare in Nova’s direction, barely holding back her fury.

Claire’s popularity had always been neck-and-neck with Jessica’s, while Hannah consistently held the top spot.

Over the years, Claire had often encouraged Haqnah to act more “tomboyish” to undermine her appeal, but Hannah remained firmly in first place.

Claire couldn’t help thinking. ‘If Nova rises this year, one of us, Jessica or me, will lose the campus queen title. And it will probably be me. No! I won’t allow it.

Claire said deliberately, barely hiding her displeasure, “Hannie, why is your sister hanging out with another group of strangers again? You’re her sister. Can’t you discipline her? Tell her to tone it down. If she keeps showing off like this, she’ll pay for it someday.”

“Humph, you know what Nova’s like. How could I possibly control her?” Hannah retorted irritably.

After getting off the bus, the students dragged their suitcases toward the hotel to check in.

The moment Nova stepped off, she sensed someone rushing toward her and sidestepped reflexively, leaving the person stumbling forward.

The person didn’t seem upset about missing. Instead, she smiled, “Nova, you’re so alert. No wonder everyone says you only bother with hidden experts at school and can’t be bothered to look at us.”

It was Claire, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Hannah got off behind her, glanced at Nova, but stayed silent. Truthfully, Hannah felt much the same as Claire.

And it wasn’t just her. Maxwell, and even Zane and Ethan from the Taekwondo Club, all believed Nova herself was a hidden expert. That was why she was so strong.

Nova narrowed her eyes and asked distantly. “Can I help you?”

She had a poor impression of Claire, Hannah’s friend, and sensed her hostility clearly, including the stare she had felt from her on the bus.

Claire said, “Oh, don’t be so sensitive. I’m complimenting you, aren’t I? After all, it takes a hidden master to draw out another.

“I came to ask if you want to play a game with us after the hot springs. I got a few people together-all ones you know. We’re playing Truth or Dare.”

Claire continued, a fake smile plastered on her face, “I only invited you because you’re Hannie’s sister, you know.”

Nova didn’t even pause before refusing flatly, quick and straightforward, “No.”

Claire’s expression stiffened. She muttered awkwardly, “Fine.” With that, she linked arms with Hannah, and the two walked off quickly.

Before leaving, Maxwell glanced at Felix, Evie, and the others around Nova, frowned slightly, and told her, “Novie, dinner’s in the hot springs lounge area, starting at five. Don’t be late.”

Nova nodded.

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Aher checking in unlike the other students who rushed to the hot springs, Nova brought Felix, Evie, and the others to meet Jordan

“Who are they?” Jordan was taken aback seeing Felix’s group.

“Same as you, hidden experts at school,” Nova said with a slight smirk. “They’re being targeted. Since we’re going to the base, mind if they tag along?”

Felix, holding his sister Evie’s hand, gave Jordan an exaggerated formal nod just as he had to Nova before, leaving Jordan stunned.

Then, Felix extended his hand. “Hello, I’m Felix Scott.”

A bit bewildered, Jordan shook his hand and said hurriedly, “Hi.” Then, he looked at Nova, “Alright, bring them along.”

*****

Sector X18’s base was very close to The Greenwood, just a short walk through a small woods, about ten minutes away. Led by Jordan, Nova and Felix’s group arrived at Sector X18’s outdoor shooting range.

In the open field, special forces soldiers were conducting live-fire training, aiming at distant targets. Some lay in trenches, practicing sniper shots at objects hundreds of feet away.

Several crates filled with various firearms and ammunition were placed on the ground. This was a fully-equipped, live- ammunition training ground.

As soon as they arrived, an instructor who had been coaching soldiers jogged over, slung an arm around Jordan’s shoulder familiarly, and grinned at the group. “Hey, Jordan, you’re back. And you brought quite a crowd?”

Clearly, the instructor, Edward Clark, and Jordan were way more than just acquaintances, looking like old buddies.

Edward’s eyes swept over the group, finally settling on Nova, the most striking one, and he teased, “She’s your girlfriend? Not bad, bro. You haven’t been gone long, and you already have a girlfriend.”

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