Revenge After Death

I turned around and spotted a black car parked outside the gate. Feeling alert, I stood up, my brows furrowing at the sight of the uninvited guest- Peter Jones,

"Looks like it's time to move," Steven said solemnly.

With our residing location now exposed, our safety was compromised. Anyone could find us here, including dangerous individuals.

Peter stepped out of the car, clad in a black trench coat and holding a black umbrella. "Stephany-no, perhaps I should address you as Stephanie Carlson?"

I frowned, staring at him warily.

He smiled and continued, "Yasmin tipped you off about some of our secrets, didn't she? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg."

He was aware that Yasmin had told me about those so-called cloning experiments.

"Yasmin betrayed me. Now, the police have started their investigation, and soon... they'll be onto me. As you might have guessed, I'm but a pawn raised by the rich and powerful. When push comes to shove, they won't hesitate to sacrifice me," Peter sounded pitiful.

Then, he opened his car door and added, "If you want to find out more, come with me."

I regarded him with caution, wondering if this was some kind of trap. Would he truly divulge those secrets?

"Do you think we'll fall for that?" Steven queried gravely as he approached my side.

Glancing at Stevie, who was snarling nearby, Peter chuckled and said, "Trust no one, Stephanie Carlson. Anyone around you could be planted by Genome Society to monitor you. Even a dog could potentially be an NPC designed to extract experimental data from you...Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Peter's words sent a shiver down my spine. Though he used a dog as an example, I sensed he was alluding to everything surrounding me. "Have you watched "The Truman Show?" Peter suddenly asked. "Art imitates life, but life always exceeds art."

I clenched my fists as I glanced at Steven.

If everyone was just an NPC, as Peter described, was Steven one of them too?

I recalled a fragment of my memory. I was covered in blood as Steven held me with an agonized expression, desperately trying to stop me from harming myself.

"Stephie... I have nothing in this world. I'm just a created pawn. I can give up on everything, but I can't live without you... Please, stop hurting yourself, Stephie,' Steven pleaded in that memory.

If faith was the driving force behind one's will to live, then perhaps Stephanie Carlson embodied Steven's faith and courage.

"My time is running out," Peter reminded me.

The Rebels' protest game had evidently caused a significant butterfly effect, drawing attention from the higher echelons. It seemed that the rich and powerful figures behind Genome Society were starting to dismantle their operation.

While I had anticipated Yasmin being one of the targets for elimination, I hadn't expected Peter to be included.

It seemed they wanted to silence him before the police tracked him down.

"I have no regrets, though. After all, I've lived many more years than your parents," Peter remarked as he folded his black umbrella and entered the

car.

I exchanged glances with Steven, both of us acknowledging that Peter didn't have much time left. However, there were still many unanswered questions that we needed to address.

Despite the risks involved, we made the decision to get into Peter's car.

"By the way, I'm sony about your parents' death," Peter remarked from the driver's seat, referring to Stephanie Carlson's parents.

"As for your father..." Peter's gaze shifted to Steven. "His demise was of his own making. Openly opposing Genome Society was a futile endeavor against such immense power."

Steven frowned, his expression hardening.

"Here's my advice-refrain from acting impulsively until you wield power feared by the rich and powerful," Peter continued, sounding like he was imparting final wisdom from his deathbed.

"Steven Lincoln, it was very unwise of you to sell off the Lincoln Group to Crowdstar Group. Their swift rise has unsettled even the forces behind Genome Society, leading to attempts to court them.

"Crowdstar's hefty donations to Genome Society's laboratory have solidified their influence within the organization... By selling Lincoln Group to them, you've only bolstered their strength."

If that were true, our situation would grow increasingly dire.

Clasping my hands tightly, Steven retorted with a sneer, 'That's none of your concern."

I glanced at Steven.

To challenge the rich and powerful, one had to first have a powerful backer.

Was Steven somehow tied to Crowdstar Group?