Chapter 268: Eenle, Meenie, Miney. Mo
Harper slipped her phone into her pocket as the call ended.
The playful smile she had worn while talking to Maya disappeared almost instantly.
In its place was the calm, composed expression of someone completely focused on the task at hand.
She turned toward the waiting convoy.
Several black SUVs and a single black transport truck sat beneath the floodlights with their engines idling
quietly.
Around them stood more than a dozen members of the Takahashi Special Assault Unit. Dressed in
matching matte–black tactical uniforms with lightweight body armor, utility belts, gloves, combat boots, and black balaclavas concealing all but their eyes, they waited in disciplined silence for their boss’s next
command.
Nearby, another team of operatives was already clearing the scene. Several bodies had been laid together in one area while others methodically loaded them into a separate transport vehicle, leaving no trace of
what had taken place.
The only sounds filling the abandoned industrial compound were the distant hum of the engines, the occasional scrape of boots against cracked concrete, and the muted clank of equipment as the cleanup
continued.
Harper’s gaze settled on the black transport truck.
Unlike the SUVs surrounding it, the truck had no windows along its cargo compartment. It had been specially outfitted for prisoner transport.
Without another word, she walked toward it.
The assault team immediately parted, clearing a path for their boss.
One of the operatives stepped forward and swung open the truck’s heavy rear doors
Inside stood the two men responsible for poisoning her people.
Yuma and Riku Shibata.
The Shibata brothers had been foolish enough to believe the Takahashi Family stood in the way of their expanding criminal empire. Convinced they could eliminate their rivals, they had orchestrated the poisoning as the opening move of their plan.
Their wrists were secured overhead to reinforced anchor points beneath the steel roof, while heavy restraints around their ankles prevented them from taking more than a single step in any direction. Fresh bruises covered their faces, and parts of their clothing were stained with blood.
The moment they saw Harper, both men froze in disbelief.
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They had expected an older crime boss of a seasoned underworld veteran.
Instead, standing before them was a petite young woman wire looked as though she had barely graduated from college.
Shock quickly gave way to fury.
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“Kono ama!” Yuma snarled, violently struggling against his restraints. “Aite ga dare da ka wakatte’n no
ka?!” (You bitch! Do you have any idea who you’re messing with?!)
“Omae wa owari da!” Riku shouted. “Shibata–gumi ga kono mama de yurusu wake ga nai!” (You’re
finished! The Shibata Syndicate will never let this go!)
Harper’s face immediately brightened.
“Oh!” she greeted cheerfully, giving them a friendly wave.
“Hello there.”
Her pleasant greeting only infuriated them further.
The two brothers hurled one threat after another, throwing themselves against their restraints as though they could somehow reach her.
Harper quietly watched them for several seconds before letting out a soft laugh.
“My…” she said with an amused smile. “You’re both still full of energy.”
Before either of them could move any farther, Harper calmly reached to her side and drew something from her belt. With an almost lazy flick of her wrist, two dark shapes flashed through the air.
Thunk. Thunk.
The pair immediately froze as they felt the cold steel lodged in the restraints beside their shoulders.
Harper smiled pleasantly.
“I’d stay still if I were you,” she said. “The next throw won’t be nearly as forgiving.”
The color drained from both men’s faces.
“Omae… dare da?!” Yuma demanded. “Ore–tachi ni nani no yo da?! Ore–tachi ga nani ka shita no ka?!” (W ho are you?! What do you want from us?! Did we do something to offend you?!)
Riku quickly cut in.
“Kané nara harau!” he shouted desperately. “Ikura hoshii?! Iwareba haratte yaru!” (If it’s money, we’ll pay! How much do you want?! Name your price and we’ll pay you!)
Harper burst into laughter.
The bright, carefree sound echoed throughout the truck, leaving the two brothers staring at her in bewilderment.
For a brief moment, they could only exchange confused looks.
Then realization set in.
“Omae… atama okashii!” Yuna shouted. “Kono kichigal onna!” (You crazy bitch!)
“Kichigai da!” Riku yelled, his voice rising with panic. (She’s crazy!)
Harper’s laughter gradually subsided, but the smile never left her face.
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At the same time, the warmth in her eyes vanished, replaced by a calm, unreadable gaze that sent an inexplicable chill through both men.
Their shouting slowly faded into uneasy silence.
Neither brother understood why, but every instinct screamed the same warning.
The petite young woman standing before them was by far the most dangerous person in the entire compound.
Harper smiled pleasantly.
“Oh, where are my manners?” she said. “I haven’t even introduced myself.”
She placed a hand lightly against her chest.
“My name is Harper…”
She paused just long enough for the silence to settle.
When she spoke again, her smile remained, but there was an unmistakable edge in her eyes.
“Harper Takahashi.”
The moment the surname left her lips, the blood drained from both brothers‘ faces.
Their eyes widened in disbelief.
“T–Takahashi…?”
The arrogance that had filled their voices moments earlier vanished completely.
At last, they understood exactly who they had provoked.
One of the operatives stepped beside Harper and presented her with a small black pouch.
Harper accepted the pouch and unzipped it, taking her time as she slowly opened it.
Both brothers followed her every movement, their eyes fixed on its contents.
The moment they caught sight of what was inside, panic immediately spread across their faces.
Nestled neatly inside were two sterile syringes, their glass chambers filled with an opaque, dark purple
liquid.
“What are you doing? Yuma demanded.
What is that?” Riku asked, his voice betraying a hint of panic.
Harper didn’t answer right away. She simply closed the pouch again and looked at them with the same pleasant smile.
“I’ve always believed actions have consequences,” she said lightly. “And every choice comes with a price”
The brothers exchanged uneasy glances and swallowed hard.
She tilted her head slightly. “You poisoned my people, so I thought it was only fair to return the favor.”
The two captives immediately began struggling again, their chains rattling against the floor as panic took
over.
Harper let out a soft sigh, looking mildly disappointed.
“Honestly… I was hoping we’d have a more civilized conversation.”
She shifted her gaze toward the members of her assault team waiting silently nearby.
“Osaete.” (Hold them.)
“Hai, Bosu–san.” (Yes, Boss.)
Two operatives immediately stepped forward and firmly restrained the two brothers, preventing them from struggling any further.
Harper murmured, “Eenie, meenie, miney, mo..” Her finger drifted between them before it finally stopped, pointing directly at the eldest brother, Yuma.
Harper smiled.
“Looks like you’re first.”
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.