CHAPTER 13: Backstabber

Later, at 2.00 pm, loud rock music blasted through the speakers. Jason, the assistant president of the sports club, stood with his arms crossed. When he cut the music with a sharp gesture, he shot a look toward Alex. "We're not here for a party, Alex." 

Alex smirked but didn't respond.

"Everyone will be here in five minutes; if we act like kids, how will they respect us?" Jason continued, not finishing his sentence before nearly ten students rushed in through the gate.

"Alright, hurry up! We have no time." Jason called out to his friends to arrange the chairs. 

The hall was filled with students, and sneakers echoed on the floor. "Please settle down!" he announced after the students had calmed. 

Once they were settled, he took the microphone. "Hi, everyone. Welcome to the basketball stadium."

He faced the front of the students. "Firstly, we'll conduct a selection test on Monday, and your scores will determine whether you move forward in the process." 

Alex added, standing near Jason with claps. "Practice today, practice only pays off, guys," he said with an encouraging smile.

Kim leaned in close to Nate and whispered in his ear, "This is going to be fun." 

Nate nodded, "Maybe..."

Just then, Aaron and his group entered, exuding their usual confidence. Jason glanced at them. "You guys also have to take the test." 

Aaron scoffed in disbelief. "Why? We're already good at this," he said, his arrogance evident. 

Jason remained firm. "I know, Aaron, but everyone is equal here." 

Aaron nodded, though disappointment was clear on his face. He stepped forward, locking eyes with Nate, who's already his gaze on him.

A moment of silent tension passed between them—an unspoken challenge—while other students busily practiced.

The quiet library was distrubed with the rustle of turning pages, and fresh air mixed with book smell flowed everywhere. Students browsed the towering shelves, searching for their next read, some of them doing their job. Eve scanned the spines, hoping to find a captivating novel for the weekend.

Zoey trailed silently behind Evangeline, and when Evangeline reached and rounded a corner, Zoey playfully shouted, "Boom!"

"Ah!!!!!!! Shit! " Evangeline placed a hand on her chest. "You scared me, Zoey!" her voice echoed slightly in the silent space. All eyes in the library turned towards them.

After a brief moment of awkward silence, everyone resumed their quiet work.

Evangeline grabbed Zoey's hand and pulled her outside of the library. "Eh!!!!!!!!! What's your problem, Zoey?" she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Nothing, just playing with you." As they walked down the hallway, Zoey changed the subject. "Eve, have you chosen your outfit for Lisa's house party?"

Evangeline raised an eyebrow. "Is that important right now?"

Zoey paused. "Of course! I'm already excited for Saturday!"

Evangeline sighed. "We have two days. Don't worry, we have plenty of time."

Zoey stopped and turned to face Evangeline. "What about shopping tomorrow?"

"Shopping?" Evangeline replied. "But I'm not even interested in going to the party."

Zoey looked surprised; her eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"I just want to stay home," Evangeline mumbled.

"What?" Zoey exclaimed. "You're always scared to be alone at home. Lately, you're completely different. Is everything okay?"

Evangeline's mind flashed back to the night, her face hidden beneath a black hoodie. I can't tell her, she thought. She cares about me, but I don't want to bother her. "Yeah... everything's good," she lied.

"Then why are you hesitating?" Zoey persisted, stepping closer. "You know what? Other students from different departments might be there. You could find your soulmate!" she added with a wink.

Evangeline scoffed. "You... I'm not like that. I'm a decent person."

"Yeah..... I know," Zoey said. "But you need to relax your mind, right? Please come for me, my bestie."

Evangeline bit her lower lip, watching the floor, and nodded. "Okay... fine, I'll come," she finally agreed.

Zoey jumped up and down excitedly. "Yes! Yes! This is going to be fun!" After both go their separate ways, the sunset begins.

Nate sat back on his chair, reflecting on the invitation he had received and the melody playing in his room. "I was invited to a party by a classmate," he said, his voice thoughtful. "I think it's the perfect chance to talk to Evangeline and gain trust. What do you think, Kim?"

"Yes, it's the perfect opportunity, "he added. "And if you don't have any idea how to dress and impress her, ask me, I don't mind," teased him with an innocent smile.

Nate sarcastically smirked on his lips and appeared, "Hey KIM!!!!!! May you be older than me, but in flirting with a woman, I am a senior to you."

"UM... I know," Kim smiled, and he was busy watching his phone.

The room grew quiet for a moment before Nate's tone shifted to confusion, his hand on his temple. "Still, something feels off. My dad gave me this mission without a proper explanation. Why me? He could've sent anyone. It's like there's something he's not telling me."

Kim immediately opened his laptop, looking proud. "Surprise," he smiled

"I've got some data on Ethan's background," he said, turning the screen toward Nate. "Ethan has two kids. The eldest is Maximilian and he is 23, the same age as you. Runs five companies, owns ten villas, and has a net worth of around 90 billion." 

Nate raised an eyebrow. "Ninety billion? Just him?" 

"Yup," Kim said as he pressed another search. "Look, this is Evangeline's mom, Serena, and this is Aaron's mom. Both are donating billionaire dollars to this orphanage Institute, and they are in the top 3 funders of the orphanage.

"But it seems everything is clear and neat on their side, but we didn't know what dirty things going on inside."

Nate nodded and looked at an image of Serena holding hands with a group of ladies, each member sporting the society unity batch, a small emerald, green ribbon, in the background of the poster in Green Foundation.

"That's crazy," Nate said without blinking his eyes. "We need to find a way into their company." 

Kim shook his head. "Yeah, but we can't rush this. We need the right opportunity." 

"First, we need to know more about their past," Nate added. 

"Agreed," Kim said. "I'll dig into their history, but it'll take some time." 

Nate glared. "It's okay. Take your time. The more we know, the better prepared we'll be." 

Kim returned to his laptop, focused on uncovering more about Ethan and his family. Nate gazed absently at a family photo on the desk. Emiko kissed Nate, and Damien held him, his thoughts clouded with doubt and determination.

Meanwhile, Emiko carefully laid Damien's suit on the bed. She glanced at her husband, who was standing by the window, his shoulders tense and his gaze distant.

"You've been quiet lately," she asked gently, walking over to him and hugged him gently. "Is something bothering you, honey?

"Nope," Damien said while watching the mirror, adjusting his hairstyle.

"I can tell. I'm your wife, Damien. You can talk to me."

Damien looked up at her, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "I know, sweetheart. You care about me, about this family. But things are complicated right now—work, Nate's mission... it's all a lot."

Emiko folded her arms, her tone calm but questioning. "Do you think you're doing the right thing? You always said family comes first. Now, it feels like…" She hesitated. "It feels like you've changed, Damien."

Damien's expression darkened, and he grew angry in his voice, wearing his watch roughly. "Don't bring her up, Emiko. She's a cheater and a backstabber. She's not family anymore. Every time we fought, if you bring her"