Kelly was fuming. “Hayes Corp must have no idea what kind of school nurse they sent. Don’t be mad, everyone. Soon, Mr. Jackson will come to Evervale City for the final round of evaluations. When he does, I’ll report everything clearly and make sure you all get an explanation.”
The other students nodded. That pent-up frustration finally eased a little.
Watching those Building B students get checked before them had nearly driven them mad.
As Kelly left the exam room and passed the corridor by the sports field, she saw the turtle shell sitting in the grass at the center.
She’d just been wondering yesterday where it went—turns out, it had been moved here. “Peyton, you guys go ahead. I’ve got something to take care of.”
Once everyone else had left, Kelly walked into the field. Just as she reached out to tear off the name tag with her name on it, Indigo appeared.
She quickly withdrew her hand and straightened her expression. “I talked to my parents. They’re still undecided about Serenity Blend.”
The problem with lying was that one lie always needed another to cover it. Kelly was knee-deep in that mess now.
Indigo glanced at the turtle shell. “That’s not what I came to talk about.”
“Then what is it?”
“My cousin wants to meet you. He’s out back.”
Although Indigo had transferred to Haven High a year ago, this was Kelly’s first time meeting Leon.
He was in his early twenties, dressed in camouflage, wearing military boots. Leaning against a Hummer, six feet tall, his frame was lean and muscular from years of training. His presence was as sharp as a blade.
But when he turned and looked her way, his narrow, fox-like eyes lifted slightly, instantly exuding a dangerous energy.
Kelly instinctively tensed.
“Relax. I just want to show you something.”
Leon took a box from the car. Inside was a small bottle with a casual label: Serenity Blend.
Kelly’s heart skipped a beat. She forced herself to maintain her poised demeanor as the supposed successor of Serenity Blend.
“Mr. Leon, just because something shares a name doesn’t mean it’s the same product.”
“I know. That’s why I asked you here—to verify it.” His tone was polite, but his posture made it clear he was untouchable.
That was how those in power carried themselves. No ordinary wealthy family could match it.
Seeing that he didn’t press further, Kelly finally allowed herself a breath of relief.
Leon pulled out a gift box and opened it—inside was a stack of crisp bills. “I don’t know what girls like.”
“That’s not necessary,” Kelly said quickly. “I was just verifying the product. It’s my responsibility. Indigo’s already given me enough gifts.”
Humble and polite. Measured in word and action. Kelly believed her behavior was impeccable.
But Leon kept his eyes half-lidded, giving away nothing. That unreadable expression left her deeply unsettled.
“You should take it,” he said.
Just five words, but they sent a chill down Kelly’s spine.
Indigo looked sideways at him. Are you sure that’s not a threat?
Once Leon left, Indigo asked, “Where’d that Serenity Blend come from?”
“Actually… I just repackaged hers.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: When the GF9 Test Subject Became His Obsession