CHAPTER 119

Natalie exchanged a fleeting and indifferent glance with the others before she fished her laptop out of

her backpack, placing it on the nearby shell adorned with a vase of marigolds. She inserted a

gingerbread–shaped flash drive and casually launched a browser to punch in an international domain.

Remington strode up behind her just in time to see Natalie pull up a list of profiles, clicking into

one.

“I’ve done my homework. These three are on the watchlist for potential terror threats. If your want to

make a move on them, you’re clear to go anytime.” Natalie said, pointing at three

photos on the screen.

Remington had his fair share of run–ins with these high–profile operatives. Even he couldn’t be sure of

his next move, but Natalie had apparently done her due diligence.

“Let’s target to find a way in within the month,” Remington responded after pondering for a brief

moment, signaling his affirmation to Natalie with a nod.

Natalie simply nodded in return, Remington noticed her hands flying over the mouse, the screen

flashing through numerous pages before settling on a dark interface.

Though hacking wasn’t his forte, it was clear to Remington that Natalie was breaching the target’s

security systems.

Half a minute later, the screen flashed “Download Successful” in a foreign script. Natalie promptly

closed the page and slickly slipped the gingerbread flash drive back into her pocket.

Turning to Remington, she said, “I’ve planted my decoy code in the security systems of these. three

men’s offices. I’ll find an excuse to travel abroad within the month. I’ll get in touch after I complete the

mission.”

Their eyes met, his gaze complex. “Mhm,” Remington grunted. He understood why Natalie. known in

their circle as Azure, was considered Max’s top student.

For Azure, infiltrating someone’s system was as easy as strolling through her backyard at will. Her

skills were far from ordinary.

After finalizing their deal, Remington’s phone rang. He pulled it out to see Brian’s name on the

screen.

“Why didn’t you drop a line when you got back?” Brian’s voice was low and hushed as the call

connected.

“I headed straight to The Aerie to catch up after wrapping things up here,” Remington replied with a holds © this.

chuckle, “What about you? You in town?”

“I’m already here at the Rose Room. Come find me,” Brian cut short, hanging up after his brief

instruction.

Natalie overheard the voice on the other end, skipping her heart a beat at the sound of Brian’s

voice.

“Mr. Morales has a meeting?” Dave, who caught bits of their conversation, asked, “You’re our honored

guest today, sir. We’ve got the bill covered.”

“No need to complicate things with a comp,” Remington said, shifting his gaze to Natalie and pausing.

“If you’re not busy. I was hoping to introduce you to…”

“I’ve got things to handle at home.” Natalie interjected before Remington could finish.

He paused, slightly taken aback.

His intention had been to enlist Azure’s help with a tricky situation Brian was dealing with, so as to

relieve some of Brian’s stress.

This girl had a mind of her own, not the type to be easily managed.

“Alright then, I won’t keep you,” Remington replied with a nod.

Natalie watched him and Zack leave before she let out a sigh of relief. The thought of running into Brian

was no laughing matter. If he didn’t recognize her at first glance, it would only be a matter of time

before he saw through her disguise.

As Remington stepped out, a familiar figure crossed his path in the corridor. He quickened his pace and

called out, “Hey, Remington!”

Brian was deep in conversation with a group of smartly dressed associates. Hearing Remington’s

voice, he turned around.

What a coincidence! They ran into each other just like that.