Come to think of it… Nancy was born after I was adopted.
She knows nothing about us. And the organisation doesn't know about her either. Dad once told me he'd reveal everything to her once she was my age, but after his wife's death, he changed. Now, he plans to keep her in the dark forever.
And he's placed the entire burden on me.
I take care of Nancy on his behalf.
He's kept both of us hidden from Black Vane.
Sometimes, I wonder if he's just using me.
"Black Vane gave me this mission. They trust me," Dad said last night, coldly.
"I chose to use you as my weapon. As my shield. You're skilled in every specialty they need. And I've changed your name to Caroline Garnier."
Of course. I was their star player.
I'm the one who cyber-attacked the founders of YAYA Corp and Valmart Ltd, the two largest companies in Asia. I crippled them digitally so the Boss could take over.
Then I killed both founders. No evidence left behind. No trails.
"Yeah," I muttered bitterly that night.
Dad is a master of espionage and assassination. His late wife—Nancy's mother—was a brilliant but unknown scientist who served Black Vane until they killed her. Now, he wants Nancy to live a normal life. Even if that means sacrificing me.
The next morning, I was busy making breakfast and packing lunch.
Soon, I heard Nancy wake up.
"Hey, isn't it too early for breakfast? And that's your office dress… are you going to Dad's office?" she asked, half-asleep.
"Umm… no. I'm heading to my new office. In Paris."
"From Giverny?! Oh no! You know I hate it when you leave me alone. Even when you worked from home, I used to cry all the time!"
"That was your early childhood. Every kid does that, right?"
She puffed her cheeks and glared at me with those sharp green eyes.
"Aww, Nancy. Don't make that cute face. I'll be back by evening. Promise."
"Hmph!" She turned away with a pout and slumped onto the sofa.
I ignored her, focused on finishing up.
Last night, Dad had said,
"Erase any sensitive data about CEO David and his company. Now that you're going in."
Breakfast was ready.
"Come eat!" I called out.
"No!" she yelled from the couch.
"Don't get on my nerves."
She finally got up and joined me at the table.
We ate in silence.
Afterwards, I finished packing my bag. Her school had a holiday today—Founder's Day.
Before I left, I bent down and kissed her forehead.
"I'll be back soon, dear."
She gave me a small smile.
As I stepped outside—
"Bye, Ari!" she called out cheerfully.
"Bye, Nancy."
The metro ride was long. I read through the mission papers Dad had given me to fight the boredom. It felt surreal, seeing my new name and role spelled out so formally.
Eventually, I reached Velvér Fashion, where two guards stood at the gate.
I flashed them my ID, maintaining outward confidence, even though I was inwardly shaking. I could only hope Dad had scrubbed my file clean.
"Alright," one guard said. "You're the new secretary to the CEO. Go on in."
Inside the CEO's private office…
"So, you're Caroline Garnier, born in Giverny, France."
CEO David Charlotte examined the Non-Disclosure Agreement I submitted. His tone was serious. Polished. He looked elegant—perfectly groomed and powerful.
"Yes, sir," I replied, standing tall.
He glanced at my face. "Are those real prescription glasses or just for fashion? They're not doing your look any favors."
"Ah—uh, they're reading glasses, sir."
"Well, with that face, I doubt any glasses would suit you."
My cheeks burned. Was that flirting? Or an insult? I couldn't tell. But I was nervous—and angry.
"Fine," he continued. "Mr. Kim, our HR manager, will give you a tour and explain our systems."
"Understood, sir."
Just then, a young man entered—Mr. Kim.
"Hello, Ms. Garnier. Pleasure to meet you," he said with a warm smile.
He was striking—pleasant voice, clean fashion sense, and annoyingly good-looking.
"Likewise, Mr. Kim," I replied politely.
"She's signed the NDA. Should I show her the sensitive documents?" he asked David.
David gave him a long look.
"No. Not yet. Keep her under observation for a few months—even with the paperwork."
He smirked at me.
A strange chill went down my spine.
Did he recognize me?
Or… was he planning to mess with me?