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Novel Catalog
Chapter 15
Bonnie’s heart raced as panic surged through her. The crowd had grown larger, and cameras flashed from every direction. Reporters, eager for their next big story, were broadcasting live. She could feel the weight of the situation growing heavier with each passing second. If anyone discovered her true identity, the fallout would be catastrophic. It could ignite international disputes and, worse, attract dangerous enemies—assassins from who knows where.
Her mind raced, trying to figure out an escape, but before she could react, a jacket was draped over her head, obscuring her face.
“Please make way,” came a calm, authoritative voice. The voice was steady, reassuring, and unmistakable.
Bonnie exhaled a sigh of relief as the crowd parted. It was Jim Ray, the King of Combat, her bodyguard, who had come to her rescue.
She smiled beneath the jacket, her panic subsiding just slightly. “When did you get back?”
Jim, always cool and composed, looked down at her, a hint of concern in his eyes. “I just did. Sorry, I should have been here earlier.”
Bonnie shook her head. “It’s not your fault. So, how was the International Fighting Championship? Did you win?”
Jim reached into his pocket and pulled out a gleaming gold medal, placing it gently in her hand. “This is for you.”
Bonnie couldn’t help but smile. She wasn’t surprised that he’d won. Jim was a champion through and through.
“Are you sure? It’s the champion’s medal,” she said with a soft chuckle, admiring the medal in her hand.
“Consider it a congratulatory gift for your nanomaterial breakthrough,” Jim said with a teasing glint in his eyes.
Bonnie slid the medal into her pocket. “What do you want in return? You know, for winning the championship.”
Jim’s response was quick, almost like he’d been waiting for this question. “A treat will be fine.”
Bonnie laughed softly, “Deal.”
As the two of them made their way through the crowd, everyone’s attention was still on them. The whispers continued, but Ivor stood frozen, his eyes fixed on Bonnie as she left the stage.
“What are you standing there for, Ivor?” Ged nudged him, clearly confused. “Ms. Bonita is leaving. Didn’t you have something to ask her?”
Ivor didn’t move immediately. His gaze was still on Bonnie’s retreating figure. “We caught a glimpse of her face,” he said slowly, a thought brewing in his mind. “Don’t you think she looks a lot like someone?”
Ged turned his head, puzzled. “Who?”
Ivor hesitated. “You know.”
“Huh? Who are you talking about?” Ged’s expression was one of complete confusion, and Ivor found himself second-guessing his suspicions.
After all, he knew Bonnie’s background—she had grown up in the countryside, had poor grades, and hadn’t even graduated high school. There was no way she could be Ms. Bonita, the world-renowned scientist. It was just a coincidence. They might look alike, but that didn’t mean anything.
Ivor shook his head and dismissed the idea. “Come on, I’m probably just imagining things,” he muttered, forcing himself to focus. He turned toward Bonnie, who was still slipping away from the scene.
“Please wait, Ms. Bonita,” he called out, quickening his pace to catch up.
Bonnie turned her head slightly, frowning as she saw Ivor approach. She was calm on the outside, but her mind was racing. Why was he here? Had he recognized her face? Was he starting to suspect who she really was?
She kept her expression neutral, keeping her cool. “Yes, Mr. Ivor, what can I do for you?”
Ivor studied her closely, his sharp eyes narrowing as he tried to gauge her reaction. “I don’t believe we’ve ever met,” he began, his tone deliberately formal. “Could you tell me why you’ve chosen to collaborate with my company?”
Bonnie held his gaze, her posture relaxed but her mind alert. She could feel the weight of his scrutiny, but she refused to let it show.
She thought for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “I’m from Pyralis like you,” she said, her voice steady. “And on top of that, you’re the richest guy in the city. Why wouldn’t I work with you?”
Ivor frowned, studying her face for any hint of discomfort. There was something in her tone, a hint of something deeper that he couldn’t quite place. It was as if she knew more than she was letting on. Something about her response didn’t sit right with him, but he couldn’t figure out why.
The moment stretched out in silence before he spoke again, his voice low. “I see.”
Bonnie didn’t respond, her expression unreadable. She wasn’t about to explain herself any further. She had answered his question, and that should have been enough.
“If that’s all, I’ll get going,” she said dryly, her tone almost dismissive.
Before Ivor could press any further, Jim stepped forward, positioning himself between them with a calm but firm stance. “You heard her, Mr. Ivor.”
Ivor hesitated, his instincts telling him there was more to the situation than he could understand. He glanced at Jim, sizing him up, then turned his gaze back to Bonnie.
Jim’s protective presence was clear, and Ivor knew he wasn’t going to get anything else from her today. With a frustrated sigh, he nodded curtly. “I’ll leave you to it.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Ivor,” Bonnie said, her voice polite but final.
As she turned to walk away, Ivor remained where he stood, watching her go. Something was off, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was getting closer to uncovering the truth. But what that truth was—he wasn’t sure yet.