Chapter 4

The next morning, my father suddenly handed me a tablet.

My registration status had changed from green to red.

Withdrawal from the evacuation list requested by registrant. Pending review.

At the bottom of the screen was a countdown: nine hours and forty-seven minutes.

If the review wasn't completed in time, I would be left behind at a base the FBI already knew about.

I contacted the church's review office at once and submitted my fingerprint records and identity footage.

The reviewer asked me to verify my identity all over again.

I stayed glued to the screen, afraid to even step away.

Security quickly traced where the request had come from.

It was Matteo.

When I first set up my account, he was the one who helped enter my information.

He remembered my password.

I changed it immediately and used video verification to restore my status.

I followed the normal review process without using my father's authority.

When my status finally turned green again, I unclenched my fists.

My nails had dug into my palms so hard that they had drawn blood.

Matteo had already killed me once in my last life.

Now, he had tried to take away my only chance to escape.

Soon after, Viola sent me two photos.

The first was a screenshot of my request to withdraw from the evacuation list.

"Low-level members like you don't deserve a seat."

The screenshot showed the time the request had been submitted.

Matteo had timed it so I might not be able to appeal.

He really wanted me to lose the Family's protection and be taken away by the FBI.

The second was a photo of Viola and Matteo kissing.

"He gave me your password. Get on your knees and beg me. There's still time."

They didn't know my registration status had already been restored.

I didn't reply. I just saved the photos and the login records.

This time, I wouldn't make excuses for him just because I'd once loved him.

At eight that night, the evacuation list was officially sealed.

Don Bellini summoned everyone to the council chamber to collect their convoy passes.

By the time I arrived, they had already dressed up and started celebrating.

A banner hung on the wall: WELCOME, PRIORITY MEMBERS.

Someone had even given away his assigned bulletproof vest, believing Viola would get him better gear.

"Elena actually had the nerve to show up."

"She withdrew her registration. Is she here to beg Viola for a spot?"

Viola waved the screenshot. "How does it feel knowing you'll be left at the old base waiting for the FBI?"

Matteo sat beside her and raised his chin at me.

"Kneel now, and I'll have Viola save you a spot."

I ignored him.

Heavy footsteps came from the hallway.

Don Bellini entered the chamber. Two squads of guards followed him in and blocked every exit.

He held only one convoy pass.

The crowd surged toward him.

"Where are our passes?"

He walked past them all and placed the pass in my hand.

"The list is sealed.

"Of everyone in this room, only Elena completed her registration.

"Tonight, she's the only one getting on the evacuation convoy."

The smile froze on Matteo's face.

His glass slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor.