"You're safe while you're on campus, but the outside world is a different story."
"For the time being, you should just move back into the dorms."
"Whenever you leave campus, you must have a security detail with you."
"If you go out for medical consultations, take a larger team."
"One moment of carelessness is all they need."
"The Sundara operatives aren't just after your parents anymore-they're clearly targeting you."
Dane's voice grew tight, a deep crease forming between his brows.
"But I don't even have anything they'd want..." Claire paused as a chilling memory surfaced. Frederick Vane had been obsessed with her intellect!
"They might suspect I inherited my parents' genetic brilliance."
The Sundara experiments were already utterly psychotic. Were they seriously trying
to capture her for a brain transplant or something equally horrific?
Could such a surgery even succeed?
Editing genes at the embryonic stage made more sense, even if it was highly illegal.
But in Sundara, that was practically standard practice.
Even in Cascadia, similar experiments were secretly underway.
Who knew if those genetically altered babies actually grew up to be super- geniuses?
"They won't back down just because they lost Frederick Vane. Besides, he was Solenian anyway."
It would only make them want Claire more.
The loss of a Solenian asset like Vane wouldn't deter the Sundara operatives; they might even be glad he was out of the picture.
Dane looked at her with utmost seriousness. "I'm going to brief Silas Carl. National Security will assign someone to protect you."
"Just be extremely careful these next few days and avoid isolated areas."
It was hard for the operatives to strike in crowded places without risking exposure and unraveling their entire spy network.
They couldn't afford that.
But if they grew desperate...
It was crucial to get Silas Carl's people involved immediately.
And so, Claire quickly acquired a new 'cousin' who needed a place to crash.
This cousin happened to work at The Cabinda University.
Not as a professor, but as a cafeteria worker.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Hillary Harding."
Claire stared at the woman in shock.
She didn't know her personally, but she certainly knew the name!
This was Ewan Harding's older cousin!
"Wait, you're Ewan's cousin, right?"
Hillary offered a crisp smile and nodded. "I am. But I'm also your new bodyguard."
"You already know my cover and my actual job."
Claire was stunned. She had always pictured Hillary as a pampered socialite, not a total badass!
With her sharp, cropped hair and flawless posture, she looked incredibly lethal.
"Did Captain Carl seriously assign you to protect me?"
Hillary feigned a stern glare. "What, do you doubt my skills?"
My shook her head. "Not
Claire quickly shook her head. "No, ng hoki'm just amazed. Isn't this Kind of beneath your pay grade?" Gontent
Claire had seen her credentials, and with her rank, acting as a bodyguard seemed like a massive demotion.
"A female operative is much easier to keep close to you, and I was the only woman available without an
active assignment."
In truth, Hillary had just finished a brutal mission.
She was meant to be on leave.
But when she heard that her cousin's doctor might be in danger, she practically
demanded the assignment.
Her high rank was earned through blood and sweat in the field.
Not handed down by her family!
Understanding the situation, Claire smiled.
"Then I'll be in your care, Hillary."