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Novel Catalog
Chapter 2
The leader of the group saluted Bonnie. “Please get in the car, Ms. Bonita.”
Bonnie glanced around, noting not only the sheer number of soldiers but also the heavy weaponry they carried. “Why so many people? This is a bit much.”
“You’re a national treasure of Arvandor, Ms. Bonita,” the man replied. “We can’t afford to let anything happen to you. I would’ve brought at least ten times more soldiers if you hadn’t told us to keep it discreet.”
The man speaking was Brigham Hartley. His navy blue epaulets, accented with yellow trim, marked his high rank. Tall and imposing, he gave off an air of authority.
“Come on, I’m just going to the research institute,” Bonnie said casually. “Besides, I can take care of myself.”
“The whole world is watching the results of your research. If you succeed, it could change the course of human civilization. We’ll do anything to ensure your safety—and to protect your true identity from being discovered,” Brigham said, his tone filled with admiration. He was clearly a huge fan of Bonnie.
Bonnie raised an eyebrow, clearly uninterested. “Oh, by the way, where’s Jim?”
“He’s overseas, participating in the International Fighting Championship. I’ll be in charge of your security for now.”
“Okay, then. Let’s go,” Bonnie said as she climbed into the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the Shepard family’s butler had heard the commotion and hurried out to see what was going on. His eyes widened in shock when he saw Bonnie being escorted by soldiers in camouflage.
“Oh no, ma’am! Ms. Bonnie’s been taken away by the police!”
“What?!” Vera was stunned. “What happened?”
“I’m not sure, ma’am! It looked like an entire army of officers cornered her and took her away.”
Vera’s heart raced. She rushed out of the villa, followed by Trina and Hadwin. By the time they reached the gate, the helicopters were gone, and only the SUVs remained in sight.
“What the hell?” Vera paled, clutching her chest.
“Has Bonnie done something illegal?” Trina asked, her voice trembling.
“Too many people came for her. What could she have done?” Hadwin frowned, his mind racing. Murder? Multiple homicides? Or something even more outrageous?
But for now, there was no way to know.
Two Days Later
In the top laboratory of Pyralis City, the researchers erupted into applause.
“Woohoo! We finally did it! After a year of hard work, we’ve succeeded!”
“We owe it all to Ms. Bonita. Without her guidance, we could never have developed the new carbon nanomaterial this quickly!”
“That’s right! This breakthrough will advance every industry in the country. Arvandor will be the global leader in nanotechnology!”
The elderly professors cheered, their excitement barely contained, like children celebrating a triumph.
Bonnie, on the other hand, sipped her coffee calmly, unfazed by the outpouring of praise.
One of the elderly professors approached her, holding his phone. “I just got a call from the National Research Institute, Ms. Bonita. They want to know when you’ll be available to hold the press conference.”
“That’s up to them,” Bonnie replied nonchalantly.
The professor hesitated, then asked, “Would it be alright if I take care of it for you?”
“Go ahead,” Bonnie said, waving him off.
“Oh, and the International Collaborative Research Organization has also reached out. They’re asking for your availability now that we’ve received nationwide attention. You’ll need to attend the press conference.”
He was clearly concerned. Bonnie was usually low-key and avoided public events like this.
Bonnie thought for a moment before replying, “Okay.”
The professor inwardly sighed with relief. He had feared she’d decline, which would have put him in a difficult spot with the higher-ups. If she had refused, they would have insisted that he make her attend.
“I’ll handle it, then,” he said, grateful.
“Sure,” Bonnie said absently, taking another sip of her coffee.
Her phone buzzed, and the screen lit up with the name Sigmund Knight.
Bonnie answered, and the old man’s excited voice came through the line. “I heard your wedding’s been canceled, Bonnie. Congratulations!” He chuckled heartily.
Bonnie, already anticipating his words, waited for him to finish.
“Now, according to our agreement, you’d consider marrying my grandson once you were no longer engaged. It’s time to fulfill your promise.”
Bonnie raised an eyebrow. “Okay, but will your grandson agree to this? He’s the most eligible bachelor in Pyralis. He could have any woman he wants.”
Sigmund’s laugh boomed through the phone. “He has to. By the way, I arranged for him to pick you up at a supermarket near the research institute. That way, he won’t know your true identity. I’ve already given him your number. He’ll text you when he arrives.”
Just as he finished speaking, Bonnie’s phone dinged with a message: “I’m here.”
Sigmund’s voice was quick to follow. “That’s him texting you. Go meet him now.”
“Okay,” Bonnie replied indifferently. She bade the professors goodbye and left the building.
As she stepped outside, she noticed a sleek black Maybach parked near the entrance.
“That car looks familiar…”
Three years ago, she had treated the father of a wealthy overseas tycoon, and in gratitude, she had received a limited-edition Maybach—one of only ten in the world. Since Bonnie didn’t like driving, she had given it to Sigmund as a birthday gift.
Just as she was recalling the memory, the driver’s window rolled down, revealing a handsome young man.
“Hi, you’re Bonnie Shepard, right?” he asked with a charming smile.
“Yup.” Bonnie nodded, sizing him up. He wore a floral shirt, the collar open, and a peculiar necklace around his neck. He looked… frivolous.
Was this Sigmund’s grandson? What a strange first impression.
“Woah, I didn’t expect you to be this pretty!” he exclaimed, then turned to someone in the back seat. “Ivor, you lucky son-of-a-bitch! Sigmund has great taste!”
Bonnie froze. This couldn’t be right.
Just as she reached for the car door, a cold voice from the back seat interrupted. “I don’t give a shit, okay? I want nothing to do with her.”
Bonnie looked up and finally saw Sigmund’s actual grandson.
Although she was only 20, Bonnie had traveled to many countries and met countless handsome men. But very few had made the same impression on her as this man. Yet, she quickly averted her gaze, not wanting to get involved with him.
Noticing she wasn’t engaging, the man, who had been focused on his laptop, didn’t even bother looking at her.
“Ms. Bonnie, I’m Ged Franklin. Ivor’s best friend,” said the driver, trying to break the silence.
“Oh, hi,” Bonnie replied politely.
“I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is it true you haven’t graduated from high school yet, even though you’re 20?” Ged asked with a curious tone.
“Uh-huh,” Bonnie replied, keeping her answers short.
“You’re going to take the college entrance exam soon, right? Do you need help getting into a university? My grandfather teaches at Pyralis University…” Ged continued, but his voice trailed off as Bonnie’s brief responses made it clear she wasn’t interested in small talk.
As Ged gave up trying to engage her, Bonnie spoke up, her curiosity piqued.
“The car used to belong to Sigmund, right?”
Ged glanced over at her. “Yeah, how did you know that?”
Bonnie’s eyes were steady as she answered, “I gave it to him as a gift.”
At that, Ivor finally looked up, his expression unreadable.