Aside from Hank, the other thirty students in the Traditional Medicine Department had all arrived at Betrico University.

The moment Cherise stepped into the classroom, she immediately noticed that someone was missing. She asked, "Is one student still not here?"

At her words, the students, who had just been basking in the excitement of Ms. Leach's return to Betrico University, snapped back to reality and started looking around. Jasmine stood up and did a quick headcount. "Ms. Leach, it's Hank. He hasn't arrived yet."

Hank was the youngest among them, yet he was the tallest. He usually sat in the back of the classroom. Now that they realized he was the one missing, the other students finally took notice. Jean had already pulled out her phone and opened her chat with Hank. [Kid, where are you? Pedal faster. You're late.]

Cherise paused slightly on the podium, then picked up her teaching materials. "The more diligent a person is, the more they deserve to gain knowledge first. So, let's not wait for him- we'll begin."

Although something felt off to her, she still started the lesson for the day.

The group of men in black took Hank away at high speed, bringing him to a secluded forest villa.

During the entire journey, a black velvet cloth was tied over Hank's eyes, completely blocking out any light. It wasn't until they brought him inside the villa that they finally removed the blindfold. As soon as the cloth was lifted, the sudden brightness made Hank rub his eyes. After a moment, he adjusted to the light inside the villa and carefully opened his eyes to take in his surroundings. It was a countryside-style villa. Hank couldn't figure out who had given the order to bring him here.

The men in black remained nearby, still silent, as if they were lifeless statues.

Hank tilted his head and glanced at them. "Uh, excuse me, gentlemen. Can I ask why you brought me here? And who exactly wants to see me? I'm just a kid, and I don't have any grudges against anyone." One of the men in black shot him a look of disdain. "Does it matter?"

Hank tutted. "Of course, it does. You didn't just grab me for no reason. And look at me-

I'm so fragile and good-looking. If something happens to me, I'd at least like to know why."

One of the men in black let out a cold snort. "You'll find out soon enough. Let's go."

With that, the two men who had escorted Hank turned and left the villa. In an instant, Hank was the only person left inside.

Seeing this, he muttered to himself, "Well, since I'm already here, I might as well make myself comfortable."

As the door closed behind the men in black, Hank's demeanor subtly shifted. His childishness faded, replaced by a calm

and composed aura.

Without a care, he made himself comfortable on the sofa, closed his eyes, and took a brief rest. That was until the sound of high heels clicking against the floor pulled him back to full alertness.noveldrama

The sharp rhythm of the heels suggested someone was descending a wooden spiral staircase. Hank followed the sound with gaze and soon saw a woman making her way down.

Halfway down the stairs, she glanced at Hank and flashed him a smile. It was a peculiar smile-

one tinged with contempt.

Hank didn't get up. He simply remained seated, watching her

approach. When she finally stood before him, he lazily lifted his head and asked in a seemingly nonchalant tone, "Who are you? Why did you have me brought here?" Then, he added, "Or...are you a victim too? Were you also kidnapped by those men in black?"

Hearing Hank's words, the woman let out a cold snort and sat directly on the sofa opposite him. "Quite the performance. How could you possibly not know who I am?"

She sneered. "I didn't expect a kid like you to be ordinary, are you?"

a good actor. You don't even look the slightest bit afraid. You're not

Then, her expression suddenly turned serious. "A couple of days ago, it was you who leaked what happened between Jean and me online. And now you dare to pretend you don't know who I am? "Looking at you, I highly doubt you're from some orphanage. There's no need to put on an act in front of me, don't you agree?"

This woman was Lydia. But at this moment, she looked entirely

different from how she had appeared at the Walton residence-

or even in the Dark Web Division's dungeon. She now exuded an air of mystery with a chilling presence that was hard to ignore.

Of course, Hank knew exactly who she his true intentions just yet.

However, since he was alone and unsure of her capabilities, he didn't dare reveal

He put on a troubled expression and said, "My dear beautiful lady, I really have no idea what you're talking about. I don't know if your subordinates told you, but I'm just a kid from an orphanage. "I-an orphan with no power or influence, a law-abiding citizen-

how could I possibly have done what you're accusing me of? You must have the wrong person,

"If that's the thing, I beg you, please send me back as soon as possible. I'm already 20 minutes late for class. If I don't get back soon, Ms. Leach is going to worry. And if she calls the police, things will get messy." As he spoke, Hank put on an expression of fear and anxiety, as if he were truly terrified.