647 Chapter 646 Holly stood in front of him, unable to say a word. Her unease was palpable; she opened her mouth as if to argue but found herself unable to justify her actions. She knew Brian was right. She understood the grave mistake her grandfather had made. Tears streamed down her face as she bowed her head and finally said, “Uncle Dawson, I’m sorry.” Brian frowned as he looked at Holly. After a long pause, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Holly, I’ve seen you grow up. I believe you’re not at fault.” Holly paused, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Really?” “Yes,” Brian replied, “But as a family member of a spy, you must understand that there are rules in the department that must be followed.” Holly’s expression shifted to deep contemplation. She knew exactly what those rules entailed. Her eyes reddened as she stood there, feeling like a child who had done something wrong, unsure of what to do. She stared blankly at Brian. Brian sighed. “Forget it; after all, you’re just a girl…” At that moment, someone spoke up, “Deputy Director Dawson, are you going to let her off just because she’s a woman? We agreed when joining the Special Division that we don’t distinguish between men and women here, only comrades in arms! If her grandfather has done something wrong, she must be dealt with according to the law!” Brian frowned. “Let’s at least give her some dignity!” The person paused but remained silent. Holly, however, spoke up. “That won’t be necessary.” The others were instantly stunned, looking at her incredulously. Seeing this, Keira grabbed the person next to her and asked, “What rule?” The person was reluctant to speak but showed respect when he saw Keira. “Senior Sister, there’s a rule in the Special Division: you must supervise your own family members. If someone in your family is a spy, then you are also guilty! This is our job, and if there’s a traitor in the family, it’s either due to a lack of vigilance or collusion. So, the person has to be expelled from the Special Division… and then…” Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (ƒ)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. “And then what?” Keira asked. The person sighed. “Do you know about the Beggars’ Sect in ancient times?” Keira nodded. “Yes.” “One reason the Special Division survived was because it had origins in begging. There used to be a ceremony where, when someone became the boss, the others would spit at him to show respect.” Keira was taken aback. She remembered this scene from a TV drama, where the heroine became the leader of the sect in “The Legend of the Condor Heroes”, and found the tradition quite distasteful. This might have been a ceremony for the Beggars’ Sect. But for people now, it was a humiliation. Keira’s eyes widened as she suddenly understood. “You mean…” The person sighed again. “If someone’s family produces a spy, that person must face the spit and curses of everyone and leave the Special Division.” Keira’s eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to look at old Mr. Sims. Old Mr. Sims stood by the window, silently observing the scene outside. The realization struck Keira with intense pain. Old Mr. Sims knew about this rule and still chose to accept the consequences, even if it meant his beloved granddaughter had to endure everyone’s scorn. He insisted on acknowledging his guilt. He had to let the enemy see. Keira clenched her fists and turned to Brian, raising her voice. “No!” The crowd turned to look at her. Keira stepped forward, “These are archaic, nonsensical rules! If they’re not part of the official regulations, we shouldn’t abide by them!” Brian sighed. Suddenly, Mike spoke up. “No!” Mike, a devoted follower of Holly and a loyal supporter of old Mr. Sims, surprised everyone with his sudden opposition. Mike declared, “I used to admire their character, but now that I know they’ve done something wrong, I can’t allow this! It’s the rule, and this rule ensures everyone is vigilant with their family if they don’t have to face this ordeal. If you didn’t catch the anomaly within your family, then there is a problem!” Some people nodded in agreement. Brian frowned. “But Holly has just joined the Special Division and is still on probation. Forget it…” As Brian spoke, the others fell silent. Holly, her eyes swollen and red, suddenly shouted, “No!” She looked at Brian with determination. “Uncle Dawson, a mistake is a mistake! I’m willing to accept the punishment. We can’t break the rules of the Special Division because of me!”
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