"She's a thug. I swear," I muttered, pressing my fingers against my aching head.
"Now what shall I do? We might... Ugh, forget it. I'll deal with it when the time comes. But it's about Nancy too... ughhh!" I groaned, clutching my head harder.
I turned toward the door, away from the window opposite it—and froze.
There she was.
Amber Dubois.
Leaning casually against the wall beside the door, arms crossed, smirking like she knew everything.
"What were you doing here, Amber Dubois?" I asked, startled.
She smiled smugly.
"Nothing special. The door was open, so I walked in. I saw you talking to someone. I'm guessing it was Crimson Night—member of some secret illegal organization, right? And if I'm not wrong, 'Crimson Night' is just a codename for... Elena Berge?"
I narrowed my eyes, forcing calm into my voice.
"Ughh! I don't know what you're talking about. But whatever it is, you're wrong. You've got only half the story, Mademoiselle Amber."
Her smirk deepened.
"Oh? Of course not... Ariadne Oak. Or should I say—Dark?"
My jaw clenched.
"Fk you."** I hissed.
Amber chuckled coldly.
"I suppose your dad works in the organization too. And you? You're no office worker. At least not the way your academy records claim. Funny how your occupation field is conveniently left... blank."
I could feel sweat prickling at my skin. I was slipping.
"So what's the truth, Ariadne Oak? Or should I say... Ariadne Charlotte?" she asked sharply, her eyes drilling into mine.
I stared at her, stunned.
"How... how do you know that?"
Amber pushed off the wall and took a slow step forward.
"When Madame Bourgeois was searching through your and your dad's records, she found something. Something locked. But not locked well enough."
She raised a brow.
"You're the adopted daughter of Monsieur Thomas Oak. But before that? You were registered as 'Ariadne Charlotte'—heiress presumptive to the Velvéra Company."
I stepped back, my throat tightening.
"I remember," Amber continued, voice dark, "when I was younger, there was a worldwide scandal—about a girl who disappeared from her wealthy home. Police, detectives, even international agencies searched for her. And then... suddenly, Mr. Amore Charlotte, your biological father, called off the search."
She paused, her gaze piercing.
"He left a terrible impression on the world... and on the company's reputation. But thanks to his stepson, things eventually recovered. The world forgot. But I didn't. So... what's your story?"
"Uh… Nothing," I replied quietly.
"Won't you tell me more?" she asked.
"No."
Amber's eyes hardened.
"Then maybe I'll just take this to the French police. Let's see how long you and your dad last if your little secrets go public."
My voice sharpened in reply.
"We're already in danger, Amber. But if you take one more step, you'll vanish—just like everyone else who crosses the organization. Got it?"
Amber gave a humorless laugh.
"I don't think so. I can get police protection. And Nancy? She'll vanish too."
That broke me.
I didn't even know why. The words just made something inside me collapse.
I started sobbing.
"Sob… I—I'll lend you more money if you want. Just take care of Nancy. Please… keep her safe from the enemies."
Amber's cold look softened—just a little.
She hesitated, then said,
"Fine. But you'll have to help me with something, too."
I sniffled.
"What is it?"
Her expression turned dark.
"Find my best friend. Caroline Garnier."
My eyes widened. My breath hitched.
"W-What?! C-Caroline... Caroline G-Garnier?!"