Chapter Nineteen

“How can I not meddle when I am part of why you are in this situation?”

he asked.

“You are just my subject. Even if you are the reason… like what your father had just said, part of my job is to protect you. And I promised to bring you home, unscratched. Yet here you are, you got home alive with bruises on your face. And aside from that, I told you about your family’s secret without his permission. So, your father has the right to punish me. And I am ready to accept whatever punishment it is. Because I failed my mission.”

“But-”

“No more buts, Mr. Reed. I have to go. I may not be seeing you again, so goodbye.” Mariko left him in the kitchen and looked for Ethan in the living room.

When she noticed Ethan wasn't there, she walked straight to Ethan’s office. She knocked three times before she opened the door. Mariko saw Itsuki sitting in the chair in front of Ethan’s desk. While Ethan was sitting on his swivel chair, holding a glass of liquor.

“Sir,” she greeted.

Ethan looked at her and