Chapter 196 Parting Ways


    Jean had, of course, already thought about this.


    In theory, staying with Ludwig should’ve been the safest option.


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    But the problem was, she had no idea who those people lurking in the shadows really were, how strong they might be, or what their actual target was-


    Was it her? Ludwig? Or both of them?


    If they were after Ludwig, then she believed Ludwig alone had a much higher chance of escaping. Her presence would only drag him down.


    And if they were after her….


    She trusted Ludwig would find a way to save her.


    Either way, sticking together increased the risk that they’d both get caught. Splitting up might actually confuse whoever was following them.


    “You don’t have to worry,” Jean sighed softly, her expression firm. “Splitting up is the only way to divide the risk. Let’s also take off our disguises before we leave


    Ludwig understood exactly what she meant.


    If someone really was watching them, the two of them–dressed head to toe in ck and covered up- would be easy to spot.


    If they removed the masks, exposed their faces, maybe even took off the outeryers and blended in with the crowd like ordinary tourists, it might be enough to throw people off…


    “But do we really have to separate?” Ludwig still looked concerned.


    Jean gave him a half–smile, voice light. “What are you so worried about? We can still use them badge to talk… Even if something does happen, I trust you’lle save me.”


    Ludwig clearly didn’t like the n, but in the end, he gave in.


    They each went into their respective restrooms to take off the disguises.


    Inside a stall, Jean locked the door behind her.


    She nced around automatically. The strange, suffocating pressure from earlier was gone.


    Only then did she start to move.


    First came the hat.


    Then the ck face mask.


    She pulled off the ck hoodie and pants, revealing a simple white t–shirt and cropped pants underneath -totally ordinary, nothing attention–grabbing.


    Chapter 196 Parting Ways


    No way she was taking that stuff with her. That would defeat the whole point.


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    After straightening her clothes and brushing a few strands of hair behind her ear, she finally unlocked the stall door and stepped out.”


    Now, she lookedpletely different from before–just another random teenager at the park.


    Jean casually strolled out of the restroom.


    They’d agreed ahead of time that once they changed out of their disguises, they would each leave alone, no need to signal the other.


    But the moment she stepped back onto the main thoroughfare-


    That feeling returned.


    The same one as before.


    The sun was bright. The air was warm.


    And she shivered.


    <i>What </i>the hell<i>? </i>


    She had changed everything–looked nothing like before–and yet that oppressive, bone–deep feeling still clung to her.


    <i>Why </i><i>is </i><i>that </i><i>damn </i><i>gaze </i><i>still </i><i>there</i><i>? </i>


    Like a cold–blooded snake coiled around her, watching. Waiting.


    Jean lowered her head, saying nothing. Her footsteps quickened.


    <i>Just </i><i>get </i><i>out</i><i>. </i><i>Now</i>.


    That was the only thing she could think about–leaving the amusement park as fast as possible.


    Atst, she made it out of the crowd.


    Then she cut straight toward the nearest busymercial district, nning to grab a cab and head home.


    But to get there, she had to pass through a long, narrow alley.


    Jean clenched her fists. Her pace picked up.


    There wasn’t a soul in sight.


    Something about an empty alley just made your skin crawl.