Chapter 2

Seeing I hadn't exploded, Mia lazily lifted her eyelids.

"Nora's in such a good mood today. If this were any other time, she’d be all over me like a hawk, not letting me anywhere near Silas."

Laughter rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs.

"If you ask me, Mia’s the one who’s actually the perfect mate—gentle, considerate, beautiful, fun-loving. You'd be proud to take her anywhere!"

"You must not have tasted Mia's homemade pizza. Last time she came to visit Gamma Silas, she made extra for us. Absolutely divine!"

Mia giggled and bantered with them. Only now did I realize that in this place where I'd never been allowed to visit, this so-called childhood friend had been countless times!

While I stayed home being the good wife and good daughter-in-law, managing the household and caring for his paralyzed mother, he was flirting with a woman he claimed not to be close to, letting her bond with all his men.

All these years—I was such a blind fool!

The group seemed deliberate in their actions, crowding around Mia and Silas until I was squeezed outside the circle.

Mia glanced at me smugly through the crowd, then actually took out a bottle of wine!

"Everyone's so bored waiting around—why don't we have a quick drink to settle our nerves?"

"Nora, I'm only thinking of everyone's benefit, helping them unwind. You wouldn't stop me, would you?"

By my usual standards, I would never allow warriors about to be inspected to drink.

But I'd been reborn once already. Whether they lived or died—what did it have to do with me?

Seeing my cold expression, Silas frowned deeply.

"Nora, don't stir up trouble. Mia's doing this for everyone's sake. What's with that sour face!"

I rolled my eyes and walked out.

You're all looking for death yourselves—don't drag me down with you!

Just as I stepped out, a camera crew documenting the inspection walked over with their equipment.

An idea struck me.

"You're here to film backstage at the inspection, right? I'm a warrior. I'd like to borrow a camera to document our team's preparation. Could you help me film?"

In our pack, warriors were revered as heroes. So they agreed immediately, not only lending me the camera but thoughtfully teaching me how to record video!

I thanked them, turned on recording mode, and positioned the camera on the side of Silas and his men.

Just as I finished setting everything up, Mia's loud complaint rang out.

"Who gave you permission to come in here? Was it that bitch Nora!"

"What gives you the right to film here? I suspect you're trying to leak secrets. Get out, all of you!"

The moment I approached, I saw Silas with a furious expression, his arm around Mia.

Seeing me return, Silas's face turned completely cold.

"Nora, how impressive!"

"Acting all virtuous and magnanimous on the surface, but scheming behind everyone's back—sending people to film us drinking. What exactly are you trying to do!"

The group chimed in, accusing me of being malicious.

I actually laughed at the absurdity.

"Seems you all know drinking is wrong, since you're so afraid."

"If that's the case, why insist on doing it anyway!"

Mia's eyes reddened with anger.

"Silas, look at her—she's just jealous that everyone likes me..."

Silas glared at me viciously, declaring he'd deal with me after the inspection ended.

Just then, the assembly whistle sounded. Everyone forgot the argument and quickly grabbed their equipment to form ranks!

Stirring music filled the venue. With the blast of military horns, Silas held his head high, secured his silver bullet gun, and led the warriors in precise marching steps!

Silas cut an impressive figure—broad shoulders, narrow waist, one in ten thousand.

Applause thundered from both sides of the route. At the command to "fire salute," Silas raised his gun proudly.

Everyone held their breath in excitement, covering their ears, staring at Silas with anticipation.

Silas took a deep breath and pulled the trigger.

After the bang of the gunshot, before the watching crowd, an inferior plastic rose slowly emerged from the gun barrel.