Chapter 193 Another Refusal
Finished
“More or less,” Jean admitted inly. “But it’s not for me… I was looking for you to help with a friend’s case.”
Moon gave a knowing nod, something unreadable flickering in her eyes. “Well, aren’t you bold… Out of all thewyers out there, you had toe looking for me
She lifted her chin slightly, just a touch of pride in her posture. “You really think <i>you </i>can afford me?”
Jean made a face.
Even <i>if </i><i>I </i>can’t, my <i>brother </i><i>can</i>…
What she hadn’t expected, though, was for Easton to get turned down by Jolene.
Still, since she’d been rejected once, she hadn’t nned on pushing it further.
And yet, through one strange twist of fate after another, here they were
–
face to face.
Talk <i>about </i>finding <i>what </i><i>you’re </i><i>looking </i><i>for </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>least </i><i>expect </i><i>it</i><i>… </i>
–
And just as she’d suspected, Jolene’s background was anything but ordinary tangled deep in the workings of a secret organization.
That had been her biggest concern back then too many unknowns. That’s why she never pursued it.
But now that she knew Jolene was a high–ranking member of Abyssal Choir, she actually felt a little more
at ease.
At <i>the </i><i>very </i><i>least</i><i>… </i><i>she’s </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>us</i>.
With that in mind, Jean raised her eyes toward the girl in front of her and asked, half–testing the waters, “Back then, I couldn’t even get a meeting – so it wasn’t about confidence. But now that I’ve met you in person…”
She smiled slowly, deliberately.
“I have to ask
—
will youe out of retirement to defend my friend? I can offer payment.”
Moon’s eyes paused briefly, her gaze growing heavier. She smiled faintly.
“You should know… I’m not hurting for money.”
Jean opened her mouth to speak again-
But Moon cut her off.
Sure, we might be on the same team now. But once we step out that door, we’re strangers. I’ve taken a break, and I n to keep it that way!”
It was a clean, cold rejection. No hesitation, no wiggle room.
Jean’s lips pressed together. She didn’t say anything more.
12.39 моп, мау з вас.
Chapter 193 Another Refusal
Tax 81%
Finished
“What are you two talking about?”
A familiar voice called out- Ludwig hade walking over from the lounge.
He moved instinctively to Jean’s side, casually but clearly putting himself between her and Moon.
Moon let out a quietugh. “Rx. I’m not going to bully her, you know.”
Ludwig nced at her, expression nk. “I wouldn’t be so sure.”
M
Then he turned to Jean, gave her shoulder a light pat, and said under his breath, “Come on.”
Jean nced quickly at Moon, then looked away just as fast and followed Ludwig out.
“Stay away from them. Don’t talk to them too much.”
Ludwig deliberately slowed his pace until they were walking side by side. His tone was light, but distant.
Jean blinked. That caught her off guard.
Is Ludwig <i>not </i><i>fond </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>other </i><i>members</i>?
Is it <i>caution</i>? <i>Or </i><i>does </i><i>he </i><i>just </i><i>not </i>like <i>them</i><i>? </i>
“Why?” she asked directly.
Ludwig gave her a quick sideways look. “Because you don’t know if they’re people or monsters. Better to stay on guard.”
“Aren’t they supposed to be on our side?” Jean asked.
Ludwig’s brow twitched slightly, a trace of exasperation in his eyes. “On our side? Says who?”
“Just because I joined Abyssal Choir doesn’t mean I’m besties with everyone in it.”
Jean blinked again.
Then, suddenly, she said, “Well… I think you’ve been pretty nice to me.”
She really meant it.
Maybe he was just following orders, assigned to protect her whether he liked it or not.
But Ludwig’s attitude toward her had been unexpectedly warm –
To her, he didn’t seem cold at all.
even kind.
In fact, he was surprisingly easy to be around…
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